When a metallic particle with zero net charge is positioned close to a finite metal plate carrying a positive charge, the electric force acting on the particle will be

Step-by-step solution

When a neutral metallic particle is placed near a positively charged finite metal plate, electrostatic induction occurs. The positive charge on the plate attracts the free electrons within the metallic particle. As a result, the side of the particle closer to the plate acquires a net negative induced charge, while the side farther away acquires an equal net positive induced charge. Since the electric field produced by a finite charged plate decreases with distance, the attractive force exerted on the closer negativ