A positively charged rod is held near, but not touching, a neutral metal sphere.

Question

does the sphere experience a net force? if so, what direction/

I think the sphere has a net force to the left because since the sphere is neutral, it will have same number of protons as electrons.

Since the rod is positive, electrons in the sphere will be attracted and move towards to the left.

Right or wrong?

Answer 1

Your thinking is almost there.

The + rod attracts the electrons on the sphere. They move to the side nearest the rod. Now since the electrons are closer than the remaining positive charges on the opposite side, the sphere is attracted to the rod.