Electrostatic Induction in Conductors

Steps:

• Negatively charged cloud repels electrons in the metal mast toward the bottom.
• Electrons accumulate at the bottom, leaving the top with a net positive charge.
• The positive charge at the top results from immobile positive ions (protons in nuclei) exposed by electron movement.
• Thus, the top appears to have positive protons concentrated there via induction.

Why C is correct:

• Electrostatic induction law states that a negative external charge repels electrons, exposing fixed positive ions on the near surface, creating induced positive charge.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Electrons are repelled away from the top, not toward it.
• B: Electrons cannot be positive; they are negatively charged particles.
• D: Identical to C, but question specifies C as the valid description.

Final answer: C