Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions - Exercises - Page 74: 2.10b

Answer

Some drops move upwards because the electrostatic forces mentioned in part a are stronger than gravity.

Work Step by Step

Each oil drop has its own associated charge, some more negative than others (due to differing number of electrons), causing different strengths of electrostatic forces on each oil drop.
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