The correct option is **B. Charge induction**. ### Detailed Explanation **What is Charge Induction?** Charge induction is a phenomenon that occurs when a charged object is brought near a neutral object, causing a redistribution of charges within the neutral object. This results in a temporary charge separation, where one side of the neutral object becomes positively charged and the other side becomes negatively charged. This process does not involve any transfer of electrons between the two objects; instead, it is a rearrangement of the existing charges within the neutral object. **Step-by-Step Breakdown:** 1. **Presence of a Charged Object:** When a charged object (let's say it has a positive charge) is brought close to a neutral object (like a metal sphere), the electric field created by the charged object influences the charges in the neutral object. 2. **Charge Redistribution:** The positive charge of the charged object repels the positive charges (protons) in the neutral object and attracts the negative charges (electrons). As a result, electrons in the neutral object move closer to the charged object, creating a region of negative charge on the side of the neutral object nearest to the charged object. Conversely, the side of the neutral object that is farthest from the charged object becomes positively charged due to the deficiency of electrons. 3. **Polarization:** This separation of charges within the neutral object leads to polarization. The neutral object now has a positive side and a negative side, even though it remains overall neutral. 4. **Temporary Effect:** It is important to note that this effect is temporary. Once the charged object is removed, the charges in the neutral object will redistribute back to their original state, and the object will return to being neutral. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect - **A. Charge Conduction:** This refers to the process where electric charge is transferred from one object to another, typically through direct contact. In charge induction, there is no physical transfer of charge; instead, it is a rearrangement of charges within the neutral object. - **C. Charge Conservation:** This principle states that the total electric charge in an isolated system remains constant. While charge conservation is a fundamental principle in physics, it does not describe the process of charge separation or polarization that occurs during induction. - **D. Charge Neutralization:** This term typically refers to the process where a charged object loses its charge by gaining or losing electrons, often through contact with a neutral object. In charge induction, the neutral object does not lose or gain charge; it merely experiences a temporary separation of charges. ### Example Calculation While charge induction itself does not involve calculations, understanding the electric field (E) created by a charged object can be useful. The electric field around a point charge (Q) is given by the formula: \[ E = \frac{k \cdot |Q|}{r^2} \] where: - \( E \) is the electric field, - \( k \) is Coulomb's constant (\( 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{N m}^2/\text{C}^2 \)), - \( Q \) is the charge of the object, - \( r \) is the distance from the charge. This electric field influences the charges in the neutral object, leading to induction. ### Common Pitfalls - Confusing charge induction with charge conduction. Remember, induction involves no transfer of charge, while conduction does. - Misunderstanding that the neutral object becomes charged. It remains neutral overall; it just has a temporary separation of charges. ### Revision Summary - **Charge induction** is the process of charge separation in a neutral object due to the influence of a nearby charged object. - It results in polarization, with one side becoming positively charged and the other negatively charged. - Charge induction is temporary and does not involve the transfer of charge between objects. - Key terms to differentiate: conduction (transfer of charge), conservation (total charge remains constant), and neutralization (loss of charge).