What is the result of charging by induction?

Charging by induction is a process where a charged object is brought near a neutral conductor, causing a redistribution of charges within the conductor without direct contact. When the charged object is brought close, it creates an electric field that influences the distribution of electrons in the neutral object. This results in one side of the conductor becoming positively charged and the opposite side becoming negatively charged.

The key point is that while the charged object induces a charge on the conductor, it does not transfer any of its own charge to the conductor. Instead, the conductor acquires a charge that is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the charge of the inducing object. Therefore, when the charged object is removed, the induced charges will rearrange back to a neutral state, but if the conductor is grounded during the process, it can retain that induced opposite charge.

This principle explains why the answer stating that it gives an equal but opposite charge to the charging agent is correct. It illustrates the nature of induction as a method of influencing charge distribution without direct contact or transfer of charge.