Question

1. a +4q positively-charged metal sphere (sphere a) and an electrically-neutral metal sphere (sphere b) are sitting on insulated stands on a table. the two spheres are brought into contact with each other, and then the contact is broken. using conservation of charge, which statement describes the movement of charges between the two spheres?○ positive charge will move from sphere a onto sphere b, resulting in a +4q positive charge on each sphere.○ negative charge will move from sphere b onto sphere a, resulting in a +2q positive charge on each sphere.○ positive charge will move from sphere a onto sphere b, resulting in a +2q positive charge on each sphere.○ negative charge will move from sphere b onto sphere a, resulting in both spheres becoming neutral

Explanation:

Step1: Recall charge movement rules

In conductors, only negative charges (electrons) move; positive charges are fixed in the atomic nucleus. A positively charged sphere has a deficit of electrons, and a neutral sphere has an equal number of positive and negative charges.

Step2: Analyze charge transfer

When the neutral Sphere B touches positively charged Sphere A, electrons (negative charge) from Sphere B move to Sphere A to reduce the charge imbalance.

Step3: Calculate final charge

Total charge is conserved: $Q_{total} = +4Q + 0 = +4Q$. When separated, the charge distributes equally between the two identical metal spheres: $\frac{+4Q}{2} = +2Q$ on each sphere.

Answer:

Negative charge will move from Sphere B onto Sphere A, resulting in a +2Q positive charge on each sphere.