A point charge of +Q is placed at the center of a spherical shell of radius R wi
Practice Questions
Q1
A point charge of +Q is placed at the center of a spherical shell of radius R with surface charge density σ. What is the electric field inside the shell?
0
Q/(4πε₀R²)
σ/ε₀
Q/(4πε₀R)
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A point charge of +Q is placed at the center of a spherical shell of radius R with surface charge density σ. What is the electric field inside the shell?
Step 1: Understand that we have a point charge of +Q at the center of a spherical shell.
Step 2: Recognize that the spherical shell has a surface charge density σ, which means it has charge distributed over its surface.
Step 3: Recall Gauss's law, which states that the electric field inside a closed conductor in electrostatic equilibrium is zero.
Step 4: Since the spherical shell is a conductor and is in electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field inside the shell must be zero.
Step 5: Conclude that regardless of the charge +Q at the center, the electric field inside the shell remains zero.
Gauss's Law – A principle that relates the electric field to the charge enclosed by a closed surface.
Electric Field in Conductors – In electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field inside a conductor is zero.
Surface Charge Density – The amount of charge per unit area on the surface of the spherical shell.
