Question

In the process of charging a metal sphere by induction why is the charged rod not removed before earthing the sphere?

Answer 1

Hint: We know that there are many methods of charging a body. One of them is induction. In this process of charge transfer, the charged object is placed near the uncharged body without touching it and in this way, the uncharged body gets charged.

Complete step-by-step solution:
We know that induction is one of the methods of charge transfer. Induction can be defined as the method of charging a body without bringing it in contact with a charged body.
The process of induction can be explained as follows:-
When a charged rod is brought near the metal sphere without touching it then the electrons within the conductor start moving. Due to this movement of electrons, an imbalance of charge on the opposite side of the metal sphere is created. The overall charge of the metal sphere remains zero. Because of this imbalance, there is an excess of positive charge on one side of the sphere and an excess of negative charge on the other side of the sphere. When there is a separation of charges created in the metal sphere then the ground is made to touch one of the sides. This touching of the metal sphere with the ground allows the flow of electrons between the metal sphere and the ground. This flow of electrons allows the permanent charge to be left on the sphere. Because of this very fact, the charged rod is not moved before earthing the sphere.

Note: We should consider the fact that the charge which is acquired by the neutral body is of the opposite nature of the charge of the body which used to charge the neutral body. We should also know that only conductors can be charged by the process of induction. No physical contact is there between the bodies.