Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Initially, when the positively charged rod is brought near the neutral pith ball, the principle of induction comes into play.
The positive charge on the rod repels the positive charges in the pith ball, causing the electrons in the pith ball to move away slightly, leaving the side of the pith ball closest to the rod with a net positive charge. This creates an induced positive charge on the near side of the pith ball and an induced negative charge on the far side, since the electrons have moved away, leaving an excess of positive charges.
Opposite charges attract, so the induced positive charge on the near side of the pith ball is attracted to the positively charged rod, causing the pith ball to move towards the rod.
However, when the two objects touch, electrons from the rod move onto the pith ball, neutralizing the positive charge on the pith ball. Now, both the rod and the pith ball carry the same positive charge, causing them to repel each other due to like charges.
So, initially, the attraction occurs due to the principle of induction, which creates a temporary attraction between the positively charged rod and the induced positive charge on the pith ball. Upon contact and transfer of charge, both objects become positively charged, leading to repulsion.
I hope this helps