Question

A nonconducting sphere is given a nonzero net electric charge, Q, and then brought close to a neutral conducting sphere of the same radius. Which of the following will be true?A. An electric field will be induced within the conducting sphere. B. The conducting sphere will develop a net electric charge of –Q.C. The spheres will experience an electrostatic attraction. D. The spheres will experience an electrostatic repulsion. E. The spheres will experience no electrostatic interaction.

Answer 1

ANSWER _ _ _ _ _ = - - - - - The correct answer is:

C. The spheres will experience an electrostatic attraction.

When a charged nonconducting sphere is brought close to a neutral conducting sphere, the electric field of the charged sphere induces a redistribution of charges in the conducting sphere. The electrons in the conducting sphere are attracted to the charged nonconducting sphere and redistribute themselves accordingly. As a result, the side of the conducting sphere closer to the charged sphere becomes slightly positively charged, while the opposite side becomes slightly negatively charged. This redistribution of charges creates an attractive force between the two spheres.

Option A is incorrect because an electric field is not induced within the conducting sphere. The electric field is present due to the charged nonconducting sphere but does not penetrate into the interior of the conducting sphere.

Option B is incorrect because the conducting sphere does not develop a net electric charge of -Q. The redistribution of charges in the conducting sphere results in a separation of charges but does not result in a net charge on the conducting sphere.

Option D is incorrect because the spheres experience an electrostatic attraction, not repulsion.

Option E is incorrect because the spheres do experience an electrostatic interaction, specifically an attractive force.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. The spheres will experience an electrostatic attraction.