Question

A piece of paper appears to be attracted to a charged ebonite rod, even before they touch (see fig.). The charge at B is :

• A. positive
• B. may be positive or negative
• C. no charge
• D. negative

Answer 1

The correct option is D negative

Electrostatic induction is a redistribution of electrical charge in an object, caused by the influence of nearby charges without even touching each other. In the presence of a charged body, an insulated conductor develops a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other end.

In this case, A piece of paper appears to be attracted to a charged ebonite rod, even before they touch is because of induction. In the figure it is given that the ebonite rod is negatively charged. The point A will be attracted only if the charge at that point is positive because only unlike charges attract each other. If the point A is positive, then point B should be negatively charged.

Hence, the charge at B is negative.