Case: Read the passage and answer the question.
A metal rod held in hand and rubbed with wool will not show any sign of being charged. However, if a metal rod with a wooden or plastic handle is rubbed without touching its metal part, it shows signs of charging. Suppose we connect one end of a copper wire to a neutral pith ball and the other end to a negatively charged plastic rod. We will find that the pith ball acquires a negative charge. If a similar experiment is repeated with a nylon thread or a rubber band, no transfer of charge will take place from the plastic rod to the pith ball.
Statement 1: When some charge is transferred to a conductor, it readily gets distributed over the entire surface of the conductor.
Statement 2: In contrast, if some charge is put on an insulator, it readily spreads over the entire surface of the insulator.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false
Statement 1 When some charge is transferred to a conductor, it readily gets distributed over the entire surface of the conductor. — True. A conductor has free electrons that move through it easily, so charge given to it spreads out over its whole surface. For example, a copper wire carries charge from a charged plastic rod to a pith ball.
Statement 2 In contrast, if some charge is put on an insulator, it readily spreads over the entire surface of the insulator. — False. An insulator offers high resistance to the passage of charge, so charge put on it stays at the same place. For example, no charge reaches the pith ball through a nylon thread or a rubber band.
NCERT (2026-27):
Conductors and Insulators – “When some charge is transferred to a conductor, it readily gets distributed over the entire surface of the conductor. In contrast, if some charge is put on an insulator, it stays at the same place.”