Two neutral spheres are touching. A negatively charged object comes close but does not touch one of the spheres. The spheres are then separated and each has a charge, one positive and one negative. What is this phenomenon called?

Question

idkwut · Answer

(Sorry, I just came back from spring break so I need a brain refresher.) @Nali The choices are triboelectrification, induction, circuit formation, grounding.

anonymous · Answer

It's obviously not forming a circuit, right?  It's also not grounding because there is no actual contact and the spheres aren't said to be grounded.  There is no friction involved so there is no triboelectrification.  You're left with one answer which is the correct:  induction, specifically electrostatic induction.

idkwut · Answer

Yea, that was the answer I was leaning towards the most using process of elimination. 

@PsiSquared 

Which of these items is the most easily grounded? plastic foam plate, rubber tire, PVC pipe, or copper rod? 

I saw this video where the plastic plate that was rubbed onto rub immediately attracted little pieces of paper so I'm leaning more towards plastic foam plate?

idkwut · Answer

Opps wait, I think my thinking is reverse lol. Grounding is the removal of a charge.

anonymous · Answer

Yes, the foam plate is accumulating static charge.  A good conductor is the most easily grounded, so given that, copper is the most easily grounded.