Conisder a neutral conducting sphere. A poistive point charge is placed outisde the sphere. The net charge on the sphere is then

Options

A. negative and distributed uniformly over the surface of the sphere
B. negative and appears only at the point on the sphere closest to the point charge.
C. negative and distributed non-uniformly over the entire surface of the sphere.
D. zero

Answer

D

Explanation

Positive point charge is placed outside the sphere, hence it can only induce the charge on conducting sphere. We know that in case of induction process there is no transfer of charge and no net charge is created on the object. Free electrons are redistributed in conducting object due to the presence of positive point charge in vicinity. Negative charge appears on sphere close to the positive point charge and equal amount of positive charge can be seen on the other side of sphere.