Final Answer:
In the diagram with a pith ball and an acetate strip, charge by conduction occurs as electrons move from the acetate strip to the pith ball upon contact, resulting in the pith ball gaining a negative charge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon of charge by conduction involves the transfer of electric charge between objects that come into direct contact. In the diagram featuring a pith ball and an acetate strip, the process unfolds as the acetate strip, initially neutral, transfers electrons to the pith ball upon contact. The subscript notation emphasizes the specificity of the objects involved. Electrons, being negatively charged particles, move from the acetate strip (which becomes positively charged as it loses electrons) to the pith ball, causing the pith ball to gain a negative charge.
The mechanism of charge by conduction relies on the principle of electron transfer between materials with different electron affinities. The close proximity and physical contact between the acetate strip and the pith ball facilitate the transfer of electrons, leading to the redistribution of charges. The subscript notation clarifies the significance of this process within the context of the diagram. This phenomenon is a fundamental concept in electrostatics, providing insights into the behavior of charges and the principles governing the interactions between charged objects.