Which of the following describes charging by conduction?

• A. The buildup of static electricity
• B. The transfer of charge at a distance
• C. The creation of charge by rubbing two materials
• D. The transfer of charge through direct contact

Answer: (D)

Charging by conduction is the transfer of charge through direct contact between objects. When a charged object touches another object, electrons flow between them to even out the potential, so charge is shared and both objects end up with some net charge. This relies on free-moving charges in conductors, like metals, making it easy for electrons to move across the contact point.

This differs from charging by rubbing, which involves friction moving electrons from one material to another, and from charging by induction, which rearranges charges in a neutral object without any physical touch. The general idea of a buildup of static electricity can arise from several processes, but conduction specifically means charge moves via contact.