Question

State whether true or false: The positive charge of an isolated system is conserved.

Answer 1

The given statement is false. The total charge (and not the positive charge) of an isolated system is conserved. Take an isolated system of two separate identical spherical ball A and B with charge +4 Q and -10 Q respectively. Now bring them close and allow them to touch. What will be the charges on the ball? Both balls will have now -3 Q charge. (i.e., net -6 Q). No matter what operation you would do in this isolated system of two balls net charge will always remain -6 Q.