Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The the concept of frictional electricity (triboelectric effect), where insulators acquire an electric charge when rubbed against specific materials. It also tests the fundamental properties of electric charges, specifically the interaction between like and unlike charges and the phenomenon of electrostatic induction.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. A plastic refill is an insulator. When rubbed with polythene, friction facilitates the transfer of electrons between the two materials. As a result, the plastic refill acquires a static electric charge. It is a standard example of charging by friction.
- Statement 2 is Correct. A charged body attracts light neutral objects due to electrostatic induction (polarization). The charged refill induces an opposite charge on the near side of the paper pieces and a similar charge on the far side. The attractive force on the near side is stronger than the repulsive force on the far side, causing the paper to be attracted to the refill.
- Statement 3 is Correct. By convention and experimental verification:
- A glass rod rubbed with silk acquires a positive charge.
- A plastic refill rubbed with polythene acquires a negative charge.
Key Takeaway
Charging by friction occurs when two different insulators are rubbed together, transferring electrons. Charged objects attract neutral objects via polarization and interact with other charged objects based on the principle that like charges repel and unlike charges attract.