Charge that results when an object gains or loses electrons is called what?

• A. Polarization
• B. Electric field
• C. Conductor
• D. Static charge

Answer: (D)

When an object gains or loses electrons, there’s an imbalance between the number of protons and electrons, giving the object a net electric charge. This lingering buildup is called a static charge, which is why we talk about static electricity when charges aren’t flowing as a current. Polarization involves slight shifts of charge within a neutral object without changing its overall charge, so it’s not the same as having a net static charge. An electric field is the region around charges that exerts force on other charges, and a conductor is just a material that allows charges to move easily, not a description of the charge itself.