Question

An inflated balloon is rubbed with a woollen cloth and in another case; a ballpen refill is rubbed with polythene. When the two are brought closer, it is observed that they attract each other. What can we understand by this?

• A. Both acquired same kind of charge
• B. They acquired different kinds of charges
• C. One of the object is not charged
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

They acquired different kinds of charges

We know that objects acquire charges when they are rubbed against another object. We also know that like charges repel and unlike charges attract each other. In the above experiment, the balloon has acquired a kind of charge that is opposite to the charge acquired by the ballpen refill. As unlike charges attract each other, the balloon and the refill developed a force of attraction with each other.