Question

State whether the given statement is True or False:
Depending on which material it is rubbed with, objects can acquire either positive or negative charge.
a) True
b) False

Answer 1

If a neutral object loses electrons, it will hold more protons (positive charge) than electrons (negative charge); the object will have a net positive charge. Conversely, if a neutral object gets some electrons, it will hold more electrons than protons; the object will negatively charge.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Each object has a specific value that determines whether it will lose electrons when scraping against an object with a larger value and vice-versa. Glass can lose electrons much more quickly than other objects, making it a valuable tool for teaching about static electricity. This is because electrons are held in place by the positive balance of protons.
"Different materials have different affinities for electrons. Therefore, by rubbing various materials against each other and examining their resulting interaction with materials of known charge, the experimented materials can be obtained according to their affinity for electrons. Such an organization of materials is identified as a triboelectric series.
For most materials, if those are rubbed with substances occurring higher in electrostatic series, they will receive a negative charge. Moreover, if those substances are rubbed with lower electrostatic materials, they will receive a positive charge. For example, dry human skin, occurring at the head of the electrostatic series, will always receive a positive charge. On the other hand, Teflon, occurring at the foot of the electrostatic series, will always receive a negative charge.
Option (a) is right.

Note: No single factor uniquely determines whether a particular material will gain or lose electrons, but one of the most significant properties is the electron's affinity of a specific material. If the affinity of material is negative, that material will most apparently be a receiver of electrons. Conversely, if the affinity of the substance is positive, that material will most seemingly be a donor of electrons.