When a charged rod is brought near small bits of paper, the small bits will

Options

A. A. Be repelled by the rod
B. B. Stick firmly to the rod
C. C. Attach itself to the rod at first and then fly off
D. D. Remain unaffected.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Scenario**: We have a charged rod (let’s assume it is positively charged) and small bits of neutral paper. We need to analyze what happens when the charged rod is brought near the paper.

2. **Behavior of Charged Objects**: When a charged object is brought near a neutral object, the neutral object can become polarized. This means that the charges within the neutral object rearrange themselves in response to the electric field created by the charged object.

3. **Induction of Charges**: In our case, when the positively charged rod is brought near the neutral bits of paper, the electrons in the paper (which are negatively charged) will be attracted towards the rod. This causes the side of the paper that is closer to the rod to become negatively charged, while the far side remains positively charged (due to the deficiency of electrons).

4. **Attraction of Paper to the Rod**: The induced negative charge on the side of the paper closest to the rod will create an attractive force between the paper and the rod. Therefore, the bits of paper will be attracted to the rod.

5. **Temporary Attachment**: As the bits of paper are attracted to the rod, they may stick to it momentarily due to the induced charges. However, since they are neutral and not permanently charged, they will eventually fall away after a brief interaction.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the behavior of the charged rod and the neutral bits of paper, the correct answer is that the bits of paper will attach themselves to the rod at first and then fly off. This corresponds to option C.

**Final Answer**: The small bits of paper will attach themselves to the rod at first and then fly off (Option C).

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