### Correct Option: C **Explanation of Why Option C is Correct:** When a negatively charged rod is brought near a neutral metallic sphere, a phenomenon known as **electrostatic induction** occurs. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process: 1. **Understanding Charge Distribution:** - A neutral metallic sphere has an equal number of positive and negative charges, which are distributed evenly throughout the sphere. The positive charges are due to protons in the atomic nuclei, while the negative charges are due to electrons. 2. **Bringing the Negatively Charged Rod Near:** - When the negatively charged rod approaches the sphere, the electric field created by the excess negative charge on the rod influences the charges in the sphere. 3. **Movement of Charges:** - The negative charges (electrons) in the sphere are repelled by the negative charge of the rod. As a result, these electrons move away from the side of the sphere that is closest to the rod. This movement creates a separation of charge within the sphere. 4. **Charge Separation:** - As the electrons move away from the side of the sphere nearest to the rod, that side becomes positively charged (due to a deficit of electrons). Conversely, the side of the sphere that is farthest from the rod accumulates excess electrons, becoming negatively charged. 5. **Overall Charge of the Sphere:** - Despite this separation of charge, the sphere as a whole remains electrically neutral because the total number of positive and negative charges is still equal. However, there is now a **dipole** formed within the sphere: one side is positively charged, and the opposite side is negatively charged. 6. **Conclusion:** - Therefore, the correct answer is that the sphere becomes positively charged on the side nearest the rod and negatively charged on the opposite side, which corresponds to option C. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect: - **Option A: The sphere becomes positively charged and remains neutral overall.** - This option is misleading because while the side of the sphere nearest the rod does become positively charged, the sphere does not become positively charged overall. The negative charges accumulate on the opposite side, maintaining overall neutrality. - **Option B: The sphere becomes negatively charged and repels the rod.** - This option is incorrect because the sphere does not become negatively charged overall. Instead, it experiences charge separation, with one side becoming positively charged. Additionally, a negatively charged sphere would not repel the negatively charged rod; it would attract it. - **Option D: The sphere remains neutral with no charge separation.** - This option is incorrect because the presence of the negatively charged rod induces charge separation within the sphere. The sphere does not remain neutral in terms of charge distribution; there is a clear separation of positive and negative charges. ### Common Pitfalls to Avoid: - **Confusing Charge Induction with Charge Transfer:** - Induction does not involve the transfer of charge from the rod to the sphere; it only involves the rearrangement of charges within the sphere. - **Assuming Overall Charge Changes:** - Remember that induction leads to charge separation but does not change the overall charge of the object being induced. ### Revision Summary: - Electrostatic induction occurs when a charged object influences the charge distribution in a neutral conductor. - A negatively charged rod repels electrons in a neutral sphere, causing one side to become positively charged and the opposite side to become negatively charged. - The sphere remains overall neutral despite the charge separation. - Understanding the distinction between charge induction and charge transfer is crucial for solving related problems.