Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 25 - Electric Charges and Forces - Exercises and Problems - Page 745: 9

Answer

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Work Step by Step

As we can see in the figures below, when we approach the negatively charged rod to sphere A, the negative charges move away in opposite directions, which are downward and rightward towards sphere B. This polarizes the top of the two spheres, but sphere A polarizes more than B since it is closer to the rod and experiences a stronger repulsive force. When we separate both balls, while maintaining the rod above sphere A, each sphere maintains its new state of polarization and charges even after withdrawing the rod and moving it away from each ball. Since ball A polarizes more, its net charge is positive. Thus, sphere A is now positively charged. Ball B carries more electrons, or negative charges, than positive ones, so its net charge is negative. Thus, sphere B is now negatively charged.
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