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In order for a neutral object to become positively charged (OR negatively charged), ____ the object.
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Charged vs. Uncharged Objects
Objects are made of atoms and the charged parts of atoms are protons and electrons. Protons are charged positively and electrons are charged negatively. Whether or not an object is charged or uncharged (neutral) is dependent upon whether the numbers of protons (+ type of charge) or electrons (- type of charge) are balanced or imbalanced. A neutral object possesses the same amount of the two types of charge while a charged object has a imbalance of the two types of charge. If an object is charged, then it can be either positively- or negatively charged. A positively charged object possesses more protons than electrons and a negatively charged object possesses more electrons than protons.
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Many students have the misconception that an object can become positively-charged by gaining protons. But don't be fooled! Protons are indeed positively charged, but they are present in the nucleus of atoms and as such are tightly bound in that location. The charging of objects always occurs by means of a movement of electrons - either off of an object or onto an object.
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