Explain why a charged comb can attract small, neutral pieces of paper.

A charged comb attracts neutral paper through electrostatic induction, where the charge on the comb causes temporary charge separation in the paper.

Step-by-Step Solution:
When the negatively charged comb approaches, it repels electrons in the paper
This creates a temporary positive charge on the near side of the paper and negative charge on the far side
The positive side is closer to the comb than the negative side
The attraction force to the closer positive charges is stronger than the repulsion from the further negative charges, causing net attraction

Key Mistake to Avoid: Don't state that neutral objects are attracted because "opposites attract" - this misses the crucial induction process.



Quick Tip: Remember HAN: H(closer) = Higher force, A(attraction), N(nearer side) when explaining induction in neutral objects.