Question

object y carries a net negative charge after being rubbed by fur. cassie holds onto one end of object y and brings the other end of object y near some scraps of paper, which become attracted to it. cassie is electrically grounded.
which of the following statements is true?
a. object y is a conductor.
b. object y is an insulator.
c. object y gained protons from the paper.
d. object y gained protons from the fur.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option A: If Object Y were a conductor and Cassie (grounded) held it, the negative charge would transfer to the ground, and it couldn't attract paper. So A is false.
2. Analyze Option B: Insulators don't allow charge to move freely. Since Cassie is grounded but Object Y still has a net negative charge to attract paper, it must be an insulator (charge stays on it). This is consistent.
3. Analyze Option C: Protons are in the nucleus and don't transfer easily. Object Y's negative charge comes from gaining electrons (not protons from paper), so C is false.
4. Analyze Option D: Similarly, protons don't transfer; negative charge from rubbing fur means Object Y gained electrons (not protons from fur), so D is false.

Answer:

B. Object Y is an insulator.