University of Central Florida (UCF) PSC1121 Physical Science Final Practice Exam

Electrons can indeed be transferred between objects, which is fundamental to understanding electrical charge and static electricity. When two objects come into contact and then separate, electrons may move from one object to another. This transfer can occur through processes such as friction, where electrons are rubbed off one material and onto another, leading to one object becoming positively charged (due to a loss of electrons) and the other becoming negatively charged (due to an excess of electrons). This principle is key in various applications, including the operation of electronic devices and the behavior of materials in various physical scenarios.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the behavior of electrons. Electrons are not stationary; they exist in a cloud around the nucleus of an atom and can move freely under the right conditions. Furthermore, electrons have much less mass than protons, approximately 1/1836 that of a proton, so they do not share the same mass. Lastly, electrons can and do move between objects, which is an essential concept for understanding electrical interactions.