Electrostatic Induction in Conductors

Steps:

• Positively charged rod approaches uncharged metal sphere, repelling positive charges (or attracting electrons) within the conductor.
• Mobile electrons shift, accumulating on the side nearest the rod, leaving positive charges on the far side.
• Sphere remains neutral overall, as no charge is added or removed.
• Insulating stand isolates the sphere, preventing charge flow to ground.

Why C is correct:

• Electrostatic induction law states that a charged object induces opposite charge on the near surface of a neutral conductor, with like charge on the far surface.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Incorrect, as the sphere gains no net charge; induction redistributes existing charges.
• B: Incorrect, as induction creates separation, not uniform charge of either sign.
• D: Incorrect, as positive rod attracts negatives to near side, not positives.

Final answer: C