NEETPhysicsElectrostatics
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): For a uniformly charged solid metallic sphere, the electric potential at its centre is equal to the electric potential at its surface. Reason (R): The electric field inside a charged solid metallic sphere is zero at all points. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answe
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is true but (R) is false
- D(A) is false but (R) is true
Correct answer
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Step-by-step solution
For a solid metallic sphere in electrostatic equilibrium, any excess charge resides entirely on its outer surface. Consequently, the electric field E inside the conductor is zero at all points. The relationship between electric field and electric potential is given by E = - dV dr . Since E = 0 everywhere inside the sphere, dV dr = 0 , which implies that the electric potential V is constant throughout the volume of the sphere. Therefore, the potential at the centre is exactly equal to the potential at the surface. B