Matter is neutral. It is composed of an equal member of positive and negative charges. Some materials tend to attract a stronger negative charge than others.

Electrostatic series:

Electrostatic series: In reality this is what we will be seeing:

2. Ebonite

1. Rubber

3. Polyethylene

4. Cotton

5. Silk

6. Wool

7. glass

8. Acetate

9. Cat’s fur

RubberEbonitePolyethyleneCottonSilkWoolGlassAcetateCat’s fur

So, elements at the top of the list tend to acquire negative charges when rubbed with materials lower down in the list.

Let’s take the following example: what would happen when you rub ebonite with wool and then approach the ebonite to paper?

Shredded paper

The shredded paper is attracted to the ebonite

A closer look: Let’s imagine that the attraction between the ebonite and the shredded paper is due to positive and negative charges.

At first, the ebonite is neutral

+ - + -+-

So it’s neutral at present.

+ - + -+ -

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