Which one indicates the correct interactions between different charges and neutral object?

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The question asks: Which statement correctly describes the interactions between different charges and a neutral object?
Option a: A neutral object is attracted by a negative charge but repelled by a positive charge. This is incorrect because a neutral object is not simply repelled by a positive charge; in fact, a neutral object can be attracted to both positive and negative charges due to induced charges on its surface.
Option b: A neutral object is attracted by either a positive charge or a negative charge. This is correct. A neutral object experiences electrostatic induction: the field from a nearby charge polarizes the neutral object, creating a temporary dipole with an attractive force toward the charged object, regardless of the sign of the charge.
Option c: A neutral object is repelled by either a positive charge or a negative charge. This is false because the induced dipole interaction generally leads to attraction, not universal repulsion, for a neutral object near a charged object.
Option d: A neutral object is attracted by a positive charge but repelled by a negative charge. This is inconsistent with the symmetric nature of induction: the neutral object responds to both signs of charge with an attractive interaction in most common scenarios, not a directional dependence that flips sign.
Thus, among the choices, only option b accurately captures the correct interactions between a neutral object and either positive or negative charges.

UCIC 202503 PHYS101 Quiz 9

Which one indicates the correct interactions between different charges and neutral object?

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