Question

A negatively charged object A is repelled by another charged object B. However, an object C is attracted to object B. Which of the following is the most probable for the charge of object C?

• A. neutral or negatively charged
• B. negatively charged only
• C. neutral or positively charged
• D. positively charged only

Hint:

Remember: Repulsion is the surest test of electrification. Attraction can happen between opposite charges OR between a charged and a neutral body, but repulsion only happens between two similar charges!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Like charges repel, while unlike charges attract.
Importantly, a charged object can also attract a neutral object due to electrostatic induction.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Object A is negatively charged.
Object A is repelled by object B. Since repulsion only occurs between like charges, object B must also be negatively charged.
Object C is attracted to object B (which is negative).
Attraction can occur under two conditions:
1. Object C has a positive charge (opposite to B).
2. Object C is neutral (attraction occurs because the negative charge of B induces a positive charge on the near side of C).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, object C is most probably neutral or positively charged.