Avan der graaf generator is used to build up charges on the outside of a sphere. a belt is charged with electrons by rubbing against a rough pulley. these electrons are then transferred to a metal sphere and spread out even on its outer surface. when neutral objects are brought near the sphere, they are attracted to the sphere before they touch each other.

a student claims that if an object brought near the sphere is attracted to it, then the object must be positively charged. what is the best assessment of this statement?

a) it is correct because opposite charges attract.
b) it is incorrect, the object must be negatively charged.
c) it is incorrect, the object will gain negative charges by conduction.
d) it is incorrect because neutral objects will be polarized by induction.