Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 30 - Current and Resistance - Conceptual Questions - Page 886: 2

Answer

a) No. b) Yes.

Work Step by Step

$$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ We know that the current flow of positive charges in one direction through this circuit will give us the same observations and measurements as the flow of negative charges in the opposite direction. So there is no way to distinguish between them. $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ We can use a charged parallel plate capacitor (conductor) to test both hypotheses. So we need to use glass and plastic rods and rubbing charges onto or off of the plates in discrete amounts. Then we can connect them to a conducting wire. Then the capacitor will discharge as charges move through the wire from one plate to the other. This experiment is proof that the charge is carried as discrete particles
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