During charging by induction, which sequence is correct?

During charging by induction, which sequence is correct?

• A. A neutral object is grounded while the charged object is near, the ground is removed while the charged object remains near, and then the charged object is removed.
• B. A charged object is brought near a neutral object, then touches the neutral object to ground and remove the ground.
• C. Friction transfers charges between objects.
• D. The neutral object becomes charged without any grounding.

Answer: (A)

Charging by induction works because the electric field from a nearby charged object forces charges inside a neutral object to separate. While that external charge is near, you provide a path for electrons to move to or from the Earth. Grounding lets electrons flow in or out so the neutral object can gain or lose net charge. Then, keeping the external charge near, you disconnect the ground. The redistribution of charges remains, and when you finally remove the nearby charged object, the neutral object ends up with a net charge of the opposite sign to the charge that was nearby. This sequence—bring the charged object close, ground the neutral object, remove the ground, then remove the external charge—is what produces charging by induction.

Charging by induction works because the electric field from a nearby charged object forces charges inside a neutral object to separate. While that external charge is near, you provide a path for electrons to move to or from the Earth. Grounding lets electrons flow in or out so the neutral object can gain or lose net charge. Then, keeping the external charge near, you disconnect the ground. The redistribution of charges remains, and when you finally remove the nearby charged object, the neutral object ends up with a net charge of the opposite sign to the charge that was nearby. This sequence—bring the charged object close, ground the neutral object, remove the ground, then remove the external charge—is what produces charging by induction.