Question

two lab partners are doing a static electricity investigation. they begin with a neutral pop can. after conducting the procedure, they observe that the pop can has become charged positively. which statement accurately explains how this happened?
electrons were added to the object.
protons were added to the object.
electrons were removed from the object.
protons were removed from the object.

Explanation:

• An object is neutral when it has an equal number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).
• When an object becomes positively charged, it means there is an excess of positive charge. Since protons are in the nucleus and are not easily transferred in static electricity situations (unlike electrons which are in the electron cloud and can be transferred more easily), the most likely way for an object to become positively charged is by losing electrons. Losing electrons (negative charge) leaves behind more protons (positive charge) relative to electrons, resulting in a net positive charge.

Answer:

Electrons were removed from the object.