Static Charge on Hair

Most recent answer: 03/02/2018

Q:
If hair loses electrons does it become positively or negatively charged?
- Molly (age 13)
Kent, England
A:

Electrons have negative charge, so if a neutral atom loses one, it becomes positively charged.  It now has one more proton (positive) than electrons.

Joke:  Two atoms are walking along, when one says, "I've lost an electron."  The other one says, "Are you sure?" The first, "Yes, I'm positive."

jjt


(published on 03/02/2018)