Which statement best explains why a rubber rod becomes negatively charged when rubbed with fur?

• A. The rubber rod loses electrons to the fur.
• B. Protons are transferred from the rubber rod to the fur.
• C. Electrons are transferred from the fur to the rubber rod.
• D. Neutrons are transferred from the fur to the rubber rod.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that charging by rubbing involves the transfer of electrons between two materials due to differences in their electron affinity.
2. Recall that protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus and do not move during typical charging processes; only electrons, which are in the outer shells, can be transferred.
3. Recognize that when a rubber rod is rubbed with fur, electrons move from one material to the other depending on their tendency to gain or lose electrons.
4. Identify that the rubber rod becomes negatively charged because it gains extra electrons, meaning electrons are transferred to the rubber rod from the fur.
5. Conclude that the correct explanation is that electrons are transferred from the fur to the rubber rod, causing the rubber rod to have a net negative charge.