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What does it mean if an object is electrically uncharged?

The object has been placed in water.
It has gained positive charges.
It has gained negative charges.
There has been no transfer of charge.

User Eremzeit
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

An electrically uncharged object has equal amounts of positive and negative charges, resulting in no net electrical charge. This means the object is in a neutral state, having experienced no gain or loss of electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an object is said to be electrically uncharged, it means there has been no transfer of charge to or from it. An uncharged object has equal numbers of positive and negative charges, resulting in no net charge and making the object electrically neutral. This state is possible when the object has not gained or lost electrons through processes such as friction (rubbing), contact, conduction, or induction. For macroscopic objects, a negatively charged object indicates an excess of electrons, while a positively charged object indicates a depletion of electrons.

Electric charge is a conserved quantity meaning it cannot be created or destroyed, but it can move or be transferred. The positive charge is associated with protons, which are tightly bound within the nucleus of atoms, making them less mobile. On the other hand, the negative charge is associated with electrons, which are more easily displaced. The ease with which electrons can move in conducting materials or become temporarily separated from neutrals means charge can be easily transferred or shared, leading to objects becoming charged or staying uncharged.

User Jimmont
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2 votes
The object has been golaced in water
User Marvin
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