Final answer:
Red Martian dust clings to the wheels of rovers like the Sojourner due to triboelectric charging and electrostatic forces, facilitated by rubbing between the wheels and dust particles containing iron oxides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The red Martian dust clings to the wheels of the Mars Rover Sojourner primarily due to triboelectric charging and electrostatic forces. As the wheels roll along the martian surface, they rub against the dust particles, which consist of iron oxides and other minerals. This rubbing can cause charge separation, known as triboelectric charging, leading to the wheels becoming charged. At the same time, dust particles can also become charged. The electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged surfaces of the rover's wheels and the Martian dust particles causes the dust to cling to the wheels.
Additionally, the Martian environment contributes to this phenomenon. Despite Mars having a thin atmosphere with less force exerted by winds as compared to Earth, the dust particles are small enough to be lofted into the air by wind erosion and dust devils. These fine particles can easily adhere to surfaces upon contact due to the electrostatic forces at play.
Regarding the specific atoms involved, the dust on Mars mostly contains iron oxides, which give Mars its distinctive red color. These oxides come into contact with the rover's wheels, leading to the triboelectric effect and subsequent adhesion of the dust particles.