A neutral metal sphere is mounted on an insulating stand
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Electric Charges and Fields · Electric Charges and Fields
Problem
A neutral metal sphere is mounted on an insulating stand. The following sequence of steps is performed:
1. A positively charged rod is brought close to, but does not touch, the left side of the sphere.
2. While the rod remains in place, the sphere is briefly connected to ground with a conducting wire, then the wire is removed.
3. Finally, the charged rod is taken far away from the sphere.
After step 3, what is the net charge on the sphere?
(a) Positive, because electrons were pulled toward the rod and left the sphere through the ground connection.
(b) Zero, because connecting any object to ground always restores electrical neutrality.
(c) Negative, because electrons entered the sphere from the ground while the positively charged rod was nearby.
(d) Positive, because positive charges (protons) flowed from the ground into the sphere while it was connected.