Question

Which of the following statements is/are TRUE in the case of a negatively charged pith ball electroscope?

• A. The pith ball will repel a positively charged test body.
• B. The pith ball will repel a negatively charged test body.
• C. The pith ball will attract a positively charged test body.
• D. The pith ball will attract a negatively charged test body.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The pith ball will attract a positively charged test body.

In a negatively charged pith ball electroscope, the pith ball would be negatively charged. So, when a positively charged test body is brought close to the pith ball, it will attract the test body. And when a negatively charged test body is brought close to the pith ball, it will repel the test body. This is due to the nature of the electric charges - like charges repel each other, whereas unlike charges attract.