Question

object a and object b are insulators. they are both neutral. object a is touched by a positively - charged, insulating sphere. when the sphere is pulled away, what charge do the 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: Recall insulator charging

Insulators don't allow charge to move freely. When a positively - charged insulator touches a neutral insulator, charge transfer is limited. But since the sphere is positively charged and touches Object A (an insulator), some electrons from Object A can be attracted to the sphere, leaving Object A with a net positive charge.

Step2: Analyze Object B

Object B is also an insulator and is in contact (or adjacent, as they are both insulators) with Object A. Since charge doesn't move freely in insulators, and the charging of Object A is due to a limited transfer from its own electrons to the sphere, Object B, not having a path for charge to move (as it's an insulator), remains neutral? Wait, no - wait, the key is that for insulators, when a charged object touches them, the charge transfer is localized. But the initial state: both A and B are neutral insulators. When the positive sphere touches A, A loses some electrons (becomes positive), but B, being an insulator, doesn't have charge moving from A to B (because insulators don't conduct). Wait, no, maybe I made a mistake. Wait, insulators: when a charged object touches an insulator, the insulator can become charged by contact, but the charge stays where it was deposited. But since A and B are both insulators and are in contact (the diagram shows them as a block with A and B), but they are insulators. Wait, no, the key is: insulators have electrons that are not free to move. So when a positively charged insulator touches a neutral insulator (A), the electrons in A are attracted to the sphere. So A loses electrons, so A becomes positively charged. But B, being an insulator and not connected (in terms of conduction) to A (since they are insulators), remains neutral? Wait, no, maybe the diagram is showing that A and B are part of the same insulating material? Wait, the problem says "Object A and Object B are insulators. They are both neutral. Object A is touched by a positively - charged, insulating sphere." So A is touched by the positive sphere. For insulators, charging by contact: the sphere is positive, so when it touches A, A's electrons are attracted to the sphere. So A loses electrons, so A becomes positively charged. B, since it's an insulator and there's no conductive path between A and B (because they are insulators), B remains neutral? Wait, but maybe the problem is that A and B are in contact (as the diagram shows them as a single block with A and B), but they are insulators. Wait, no, insulators don't allow charge to move, so even if they are in contact, charge can't move from A to B. So A becomes positively charged (loses electrons to the positive sphere), and B remains neutral. Wait, but let's re - think. The sphere is positively charged (insulating). When it touches A (insulator), A has electrons. The positive sphere attracts electrons from A. So A has fewer electrons, so net positive. B, not having any charge transfer (since it's an insulator and no path for charge to move from A to B), remains neutral.

Answer:

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