When an isolated object becomes charged by induction, which best describes the net charge on the object?

A. The net charge increases

B. The net charge decreases

C. The net charge does not change

D. The net charge is negative

C. The net charge does not change.

The charge remains neutral and thus, polarization takes effect. Polarization simply means electrons and protons are separated into opposites. To best explain this, we can use a rubber balloon that has been rubbed against animal fur. Assume is has been negatively charged, bring it close to the object and make sure that these two do not touch. Electrons within the object will experience a repulsive force.

Since repulsion will be greatest for those electrons nearest the balloon, many of them will be induced into moving away from the rubber balloon. By default, electrons are free to move from atom to atom and thus there will be a mass migration of balloons side of the object to the opposite side of the object. This will leave more atoms on the rubber balloon’s side of the object with a shortage of electrons and will be positively charged and vice versa. Overall, the object will become electrically neutral.