Which statement describes an example of static electricity? O A. A person rubs a shoe on a rug, causing extra electrons to be transferred to the shoe. O B. Electric charges move from a position of higher potential energy to a position of lower potential energy. O C. Electrons flow from an outlet into a toaster, causing it to heat a slice of bread. O D. A conductor allows electrons to flow through it.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. A person rubs a shoe on a rug, causing extra electrons to be transferred to the shoe.
Explanation
Static electricity refers to the buildup of electric charge on the surface of an object, usually caused by friction. When two objects are rubbed together, electrons (which are negatively charged particles) can be transferred from one material to the other. This transfer causes one object to become negatively charged (gains electrons) and the other positively charged (loses electrons). This imbalance of charges is what we call static electricity.
Option A perfectly describes this phenomenon. When a person rubs their shoe on a rug, electrons can transfer from the rug to the shoe or vice versa, depending on the materials involved. This results in the shoe gaining an excess of electrons and becoming negatively charged, while the rug loses electrons and becomes positively charged. The charges remain “static” or stationary on the surfaces until they find a path to discharge, such as when you touch a doorknob and feel a small shock.
Option B describes the general principle of how electric potential energy works in electric fields but doesn’t specify static electricity—it applies more to electric circuits or dynamic electricity.
Option C talks about current electricity, which involves the continuous flow of electrons through a conductor like the wiring in a toaster. This is not static electricity.
Option D refers to conductors and their ability to allow electrons to move freely through them. Again, this is a feature of materials in the context of current electricity, not a description of static electricity.
Therefore, the only option that directly illustrates the buildup and transfer of electric charge through friction, which defines static electricity, is Option A.
