Question

An initially electrically neutral conducting sphere is placed on an insulating stand. A negatively-charged glass rod is brought near, but does not touch the sphere. Without moving the rod, a wire is then attached to the sphere that connects it to earth ground. The rod and wire are then removed simultaneously. What is the final charge on the sphere?a) negative
b) positive
c) neutral
d) It has a fifty percent chance of having a positive charge and a fifty percent chance of having a negative charge.

Answer 1

Answer: Option (c) is the correct answer

Explanation:

It is known that when a neutral object comes in contact with a charged object then an opposite charge develops on the neutral object. But this development of charge occurs only when both the objects come in contact and if they are not in contact with each other then there occurs no charge on the neutral object.

As in the given situation, negatively-charged glass rod is brought near, but does not touch the sphere. So, there will occur no charge on the sphere.

Thus, we can conclude that final charge on the sphere is neutral.