question_answer

A conducting spherical shell having charge Q, is placed near two point charges as shown in figure. Assume all charges to be\[+ve\]. For this situation mark out the correct statements).       

A)  The charge on outer surface of shell is uniformly distributed.     

B)  The charge on outer surface of shell is non-uniformly distributed.

C)  The nature of distribution of charge on outer surface of shell cannot be predicted from the given information.

D)  None of the above

Correct Answer: B

Solution :

 To solve this question we have to use the concept that "the resultant electric field at any point inside a conducting shell due to ail outside charges is zero," and that "E at any internal point due to uniformly charged conducting spherical shell is zero." Consider any point P inside the shell, at P, the resultant electric field due to I, II and charge on outer surface of shell must be zero. \[{{E}_{p}}={{E}_{I}}+{{E}_{II}}+{{E}_{\text{outer}\,\text{surface}\ \text{charge}}}=0\] But \[{{E}_{I}}+{{E}_{II}}\ne 0,\] so \[{{E}_{\text{outer}\,\text{surface}\,\text{charge}}}\ne 0\], it means charge distribution is outer surface of shell is non-uniform.