Figure 2-2 (Q A charged rod ncar a neutral ball will induce an opposite charge on the ncar surface. Since the ball is initially neutral, an equal amount of positive charge remains on the far surface. Because the negative charge is closer to the rod, it feels a stronger attractive force than the repelling force due to the like charges. (b) Upon contact with the rod the negative charge is neutralized lea"ing the ball positively charged. (c) The like charges then repel causing the ball to deftect away.