Which method involves charging an object via the electric field of another object without direct contact?

The method that involves charging an object via the electric field of another object without direct contact is known as induction. In this process, when a charged object is brought near an uncharged object, the electric field generated by the charged object influences the distribution of charge within the uncharged object. This causes the charges in the uncharged object to rearrange themselves, resulting in one side becoming positively charged and the other side negatively charged.

As a result, although the two objects do not physically touch, the uncharged object can become charged due to the electric field of the charged object. This is distinct from conduction, where there is direct contact and charge is transferred physically between two objects. Polarization refers to the separation of charges within an object due to an external electric field, but it does not necessarily lead to the object becoming charged overall. Electrostatic discharge is the rapid transfer of charge between two bodies when they come into contact or close proximity, but it typically involves a transfer of charge rather than a charging process through the influence of an electric field. Thus, induction is the correct term for this method of charging without contact.