What is induction in electricity?

• A. Contact between two conductors causing electron transfer
• B. The creation of magnets by electricity
• C. The dissolution of ionic compounds
• D. Bringing a charged object near an uncharged conductor, causing redistribution of charge

Answer: (D)

Induction in electricity is the process by which a charged object near an uncharged conductor causes the redistribution of charges inside the conductor without any direct contact. The electric field from the nearby charged object pushes some electrons toward one side of the conductor and leaves a deficit on the opposite side, so the near side becomes more negative and the far side more positive. The total charge of the conductor stays the same unless you connect it to ground, which can allow electrons to flow in or out. If you remove the external charge and the conductor is isolated, the charge distribution returns to neutral; if it’s grounded during the process, the conductor can gain or lose net charge when grounded and then separated.

This is different from simply touching two conductors together, which transfers electrons by contact; it’s also distinct from creating magnets with electricity (that involves magnetic fields from current) and from dissolving ionic compounds (a chemical process).