Electric Current and Flow of Electric Charges in a Metallic Conductor

Correct answer: A. From Earth to the sphere

Explanation: A positively charged metal sphere has an electron deficiency and therefore a higher electric potential than it would have after neutralization. Earth acts as an enormous conducting reservoir. When the conducting connection is made, electrons are supplied from Earth to reduce the sphere’s positive charge, and they stop when the potentials equalize. Conventional current would be opposite to this electron motion, but the question asks specifically about electrons.

Correct answer: A. From the sphere to Earth

Explanation: A negatively charged metal sphere contains excess mobile electrons. Earth is a huge conducting reservoir that can accept this excess charge. Once the sphere is connected to Earth, electrons flow from the sphere through the conductor into Earth until the sphere and Earth reach the same electric potential. The sphere is thereby discharged. Conventional current, if considered, would be assigned opposite to the actual electron-flow direction.