Question

Which method demonstrates electrostatic induction?

• A. Rubbing a balloon on hair
• B. Touching a charged sphere to a neutral sphere
• C. Bringing a charged rod near a neutral metal rod
• D. Connecting a battery to a circuit

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Bringing a charged rod near a neutral metal rod

Bringing a charged rod near a neutral metal rod

This method demonstrates electrostatic induction, where a charged object (the charged rod) induces a redistribution of charges in a neutral object (the neutral metal rod) without physically touching it.

When the charged rod is brought near the neutral metal rod:

• The neutral metal rod becomes polarized, with opposite charges induced on either side.

• The side of the metal rod closest to the charged rod develops an opposite charge.

• The side of the metal rod farthest from the charged rod develops a similar charge.

This is a classic example of electrostatic induction.