Question

as the student held the two pieces of tape, one piece in each hand, and moved them toward each other, he observed the behavior shown in the picture below.

image of two hands holding pieces of tape moving toward each other

which of the following statements best explains the student’s observations?

a. when the tape pieces were pulled apart, both pieces became neutral. they were attracted to one another because only objects with no net charge are attracted to each other.

b. when the pieces of tape were pulled apart, both pieces of tape became positively charged. the tape pieces were attracted to each other because only things with like charges attract.

c. when the pieces of tape were pulled apart, electrons moved from one piece to the other. one piece of tape became positively charged, and the other became negatively charged. the two pieces of tape were attracted to one another because objects with opposite charges attract.

d. when the top piece of tape was removed, it took electrons away from the bottom piece of tape. when the bottom piece of tape was removed, it took electrons away from the desk. since both of the pieces of tape became negatively charged, they were attracted to each other.

Explanation:

• Option A: Neutral objects don't show such attraction due to charge - neutral objects can be attracted to charged objects, but two neutral objects don't have a net electrostatic attraction like this. Also, pulling tape apart doesn't make them neutral in a way that causes this attraction.
• Option B: Like charges (both positive or both negative) repel, not attract. So this statement is incorrect based on the principle of electrostatic forces.
• Option C: When tape pieces are pulled apart, electron transfer can occur, leading to opposite charges. Opposite charges attract, which matches the observation of the tapes being drawn to each other.
• Option D: If both tapes were negatively charged (like charges), they would repel, not attract. So this statement contradicts the observed behavior.

Answer:

C. When the pieces of tape were pulled apart, electrons moved from one piece to the other. One piece of tape became positively charged, and the other became negatively charged. The two pieces of tape were attracted to one another because objects with opposite charges attract.