A small neutral conducting sphere is mounted on an insulating stand
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism · Conductors and Capacitors · Conductors and Capacitors
Problem
A small neutral conducting sphere is mounted on an insulating stand. A negatively charged rod is brought close to, but does not touch, the sphere. While the rod is nearby, the sphere is momentarily connected to ground with a wire. The wire is then removed before the rod is taken away. Which of the following identifies the final net charge on the sphere and the primary reason for that charge?
(a) Negative; electrons were attracted from the rod through the air gap.
(b) Positive; protons entered the sphere from the ground via the wire.
(c) Positive; electrons left the sphere through the grounding wire.
(d) Zero; charges only shifted within the sphere during the process.