### Correct Option: C **Explanation of Why Option C is Correct:** When a negatively charged rod is brought near a neutral metal sphere, a phenomenon known as electrostatic induction occurs. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process: 1. **Understanding Charge Distribution:** - A neutral metal 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 electric field from the negatively charged rod repels the electrons in the metal sphere. Since like charges repel, the electrons (which are negatively charged) 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 deficiency of electrons. Conversely, the far side of the sphere, where the electrons have accumulated, becomes negatively charged. 5. **Resulting Charge Distribution:** - Therefore, the side of the sphere closest to the negatively charged rod becomes positively charged, while the far side becomes negatively charged. This results in a dipole formation within the sphere, with one side being positively charged and the other side being negatively charged. 6. **Conclusion:** - The overall charge of the sphere remains neutral because the total number of positive and negative charges is still equal. However, the distribution of these charges is no longer uniform due to the influence of the external electric field from the rod. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect: - **Option A: The sphere becomes positively charged throughout.** - This option is incorrect because the sphere does not lose all its electrons; rather, the electrons redistribute themselves. The sphere remains neutral overall, with a separation of charge rather than a complete positive charge. - **Option B: The sphere becomes negatively charged throughout.** - This option is also incorrect. While the far side of the sphere does accumulate extra electrons, the side closest to the rod loses electrons and becomes positively charged. Thus, the sphere cannot be negatively charged throughout. - **Option D: The sphere remains neutral and no charge distribution occurs.** - This option is incorrect because, although the sphere remains neutral overall, there is a significant charge distribution that occurs due to the movement of electrons in response to the electric field of the negatively charged rod. ### Summary of Key Points: - Electrostatic induction causes charge separation in a neutral conductor when exposed to an external electric field. - A negatively charged rod repels electrons in the metal sphere, leading to a positive charge on the side closest to the rod and a negative charge on the far side. - The sphere remains neutral overall, but the charge distribution is not uniform. - Understanding charge movement and distribution is crucial in electrostatics and helps explain many phenomena in physics.