Question

'When two bodies are rubbed together, charges on them are ___________'.

• A. unequal in magnitude but same in kind
• B. equal in magnitude and of same kind
• C. equal in magnitude but opposite in kind
• D. unequal in magnitude but opposite in kind

Answer 1

The correct option is C equal in magnitude but opposite in kind

On rubbing an ebonite rod with fur or cat's skin, the electrons from the fur gets transferred to the ebonite rod. The fur now has a deficiency of electrons and so is positively-charged. On the other hand, the ebonite rod has an excess of electrons and hence is negatively-charged.
In the above example, the fur undergoes positive electrification. It should be noted that it is the electrons and not the protons that get transferred during positive (and negative) electrification.
Also, the amount of charges are the same except that the type of charge differs.
Therefore, the ratio of the magnitude of the equal and opposite charges in fur and ebonite rod is 1:1 and the fur is negatively charged while the ebonite rod retains the positive charge.
Hence, the statement is true.