Charging by induction?

Question

If body M, with a positive charge, is used to charge body N by induction, what will be the nature of the charge left on body N?

Hmm, well in terms of the magnitude and/or actual charge, it must be either:

1. The charge on N is equal in magnitude to that on M.

2. The charge on N must be negative.

3. The charge on N must be positive.

4. The charge on N must be greater in magnitude that that on M.

Answer 1

Body M polarizes the charges on body N - unless the charge is being taken off by some other agent, the net charge on body N remains zero. So N is polarized, with the most negative end pointed towards body M and the most positive end pointed away from body M.

I may need some more information if this isn't what you're thinking.

Answer 2

It seems reasonable to me that body M would charge body N until there were no further potential between the bodies - which would necessarily mean both bodies would be equally charged positive, if the bodies are equal, they would each contain 1/2 of body M's original positive charge.