A positively charged insulator is brought near(but does not touch) two metallic sphere that are in contact. The metallic spheres are then separated. The sphere which was initially farthest from the insulator will have:

Options

A. no net charge
B. a negative charge
C. a positive charge
D. either a negative or a positive charge.

Answer

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the situation step-by-step:

### Step 1: Understand the setup
We have two metallic spheres that are in contact with each other, and a positively charged insulator is brought near them. The key point is that the insulator does not touch the spheres.

**Hint:** Remember that metallic spheres can conduct electricity and can redistribute their charges when influenced by an external electric field.

### Step 2: Induction Process
When the positively charged insulator is brought near the two metallic spheres, it creates an electric field that affects the charges in the spheres. The positive charge of the insulator will repel positive charges in the spheres and attract negative charges.

**Hint:** Think about how charges behave in the presence of an electric field. Positive charges are repelled, while negative charges are attracted.

### Step 3: Charge Redistribution
Due to the influence of the positively charged insulator, the following happens:
- The sphere that is closer to the insulator will have negative charges induced on its surface (due to attraction of electrons from the metal).
- Consequently, the other sphere (which is farther from the insulator) will have a positive charge induced on its surface (due to the repulsion of positive charges).

**Hint:** Consider the principle of conservation of charge. The total charge in the system remains constant, but the distribution of charges can change.

### Step 4: Separation of the Spheres
After the charges have redistributed, the spheres are then separated. The sphere that was initially farther away from the insulator will retain the positive charge that was induced on its surface.

**Hint:** Remember that once the spheres are separated, they retain the charges they had at the moment of separation.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The sphere that was initially farthest from the positively charged insulator will have a positive charge after the separation.

**Final Answer:** The sphere which was initially farthest from the insulator will have a positive charge.

### Summary of the Solution
1. A positively charged insulator is brought near two metallic spheres.
2. Induction occurs, causing charge redistribution.
3. The closer sphere acquires a negative charge, while the farther sphere acquires a positive charge.
4. Upon separation, the farther sphere retains its positive charge.