Question

A low mass object of unknown net charge produces an attractive force when exposed to a positively charged rod and also produces an attractive force when exposed to a negatively charged rod. Both of these interactions occur without an exchange of charge. Is this possible?a) Yes, a neutral object can change its overall net charge to allow attraction in all situations.b) Yes, because net neutral objects will have a small attraction to both positive and negative charges.c) No, this violates the law of conservation of electric charge.d) No, because only opposite charges can create attraction.

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible. A neutral object can be attracted by both charges. When the object is taken near the rod which is positively charged, a negative charge is induced on the surface of the object. And when it is taken near the rod with the negative charge, positive charges are induced on the surface of the object. This process is called induction.

So, a neutral object can change the net charge on its surface and allow attraction.

Hence the answer is option a.