Why is Sphere B Negatively Charged? Physics Explanation

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SUMMARY

When sphere A, which has a net positive charge, is placed near neutral sphere B, grounding sphere B allows electrons to flow from the earth to sphere B. This process occurs because the positive charge of sphere A attracts negative charges from the ground, resulting in sphere B acquiring a net negative charge. The grounding provides an unlimited source of electrons, which explains why sphere B does not become positively charged or remain neutral.

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Sphere A carries a net positive charge, and sphere B is neutral. They are placed near each other on an insulated table. Sphere B is briefly touched with a wire that is grounded. Why is Sphere B now negatively charged? I mean, why isn't it positively charged (which I though was the answer) or neutral? Is it the flow of electrons from A to B?

Thanks.
 
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There is no way for charge to flow off sphere A. Grounding sphere B just allows charge to flow onto it from some unlimited source (the earth) until it is at 0 volts. In this case, the positive sphere pulls negative charge up from the ground onto sphere B.
 

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