Final answer:
Charging by induction involves bringing a charged object close to a neutral one to induce charge separation, and then grounding the neutral object to create a net charge without direct contact.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we discuss charging by induction, we are referring to a method that creates charged objects without directly transferring charge. This involves two distinct parts:
- A process where a charged object, such as a positively charged glass rod, is brought near a neutral object causing a charge separation within the neutral object. In this interaction, negative charges are attracted towards the rod, creating a region of positive charge elsewhere.
- The neutral object is then grounded, allowing excess charge to flow to or from the ground, leaving the object with a net charge opposite to that of the inducing charged object after the ground connection is broken.
The importance of this phenomenon lies in the ability to charge an object without direct contact, thus preserving the total amount of charge in the system.