A large nonconducting sheet M carries a uniform charge density. Two small, uncharged metal rods A and B are positioned near the sheet, as shown in the figure.

Step-by-step solution

Let the large nonconducting sheet M have a positive charge density (the reasoning remains the same for a negative charge). The electric field produced by a large (but finite) sheet decreases with distance. This electric field polarizes the uncharged metal rods A and B . For rod A , the end closer to M acquires a negative charge, and the farther end acquires a positive charge. Since the electric field of M is stronger at the closer end, the attractive force on the negative charge is greater than the repulsive force