Question

object a is an insulator. object b is a conductor. object a is neutral. object b has a negative charge. object b is touched to the ground. when the ground is pulled away, what charge do the two objects have? key = conductor = insulator tap to toggle through possible options for type of charge: type of charge on a: tap here. type of charge on b: tap here.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Object A (Insulator)

An insulator does not allow the free movement of charge within it. Since Object A is neutral initially and there's no process (like charging by induction or conduction that affects insulators in a way to transfer charge here, as insulators hold their charge distribution and don't gain/lose charge easily when a conductor is grounded) to change its charge, it remains neutral.

Step2: Analyze Object B (Conductor, Initially Negative)

When a negatively charged conductor (Object B) is touched to the ground, the excess negative charge (electrons) on B will flow to the ground (since ground is a large reservoir of charge and electrons move from high potential (negative charge) to low potential (ground, considered at zero potential for charge flow)). After the ground is pulled away, Object B, having lost its excess negative charge, becomes neutral (since it was initially negative due to excess electrons, and those electrons left to the ground, bringing it back to a neutral charge state).

Answer:

Type of Charge on A: Neutral
Type of Charge on B: Neutral