Concept:This question tests the effect of induction on the divergence of an electroscope.
Explanation:The electroscope is initially positively charged, so its leaves repel each other and remain diverged.
Bringing a positively charged rod near the cap does not involve contact, so charging is by induction.
The positive rod attracts free electrons from the leaves and the metal stem toward the cap.
As electrons leave the leaves, the leaves become more positively charged.
A greater positive charge on each leaf leads to a stronger electrostatic repulsion between them.
Hence, the divergence of the leaves increases, meaning the leaves spread further apart.
Answer:C. diverge