Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Gauss's Law
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Gauss's Law
When a metallic particle with zero net charge is positioned close...
When a metallic particle with zero net charge is positioned close to a finite metal plate carrying a positive charge, the electric force acting on the particle will be
Options
- Atowards the plate
- Baway from the plate
- Cparallel to the plate
- Dzero
Correct answer
A. towards the plate
Step-by-step solution
When a neutral metallic particle is placed near a positively charged finite metal plate, electrostatic induction occurs.
The positive charge on the plate attracts the free electrons within the metallic particle. As a result, the side of the particle closer to the plate acquires a net negative induced charge, while the side farther away acquires an equal net positive induced charge.
Since the electric field produced by a finite charged plate decreases with distance, the attractive force exerted on the closer negative charge is greater in magnitude than the repulsive force exerted on the farther positive charge.
Therefore, the net electric force acting on the metallic particle is attractive, which means it is directed towards the plate.
The positive charge on the plate attracts the free electrons within the metallic particle. As a result, the side of the particle closer to the plate acquires a net negative induced charge, while the side farther away acquires an equal net positive induced charge.
Since the electric field produced by a finite charged plate decreases with distance, the attractive force exerted on the closer negative charge is greater in magnitude than the repulsive force exerted on the farther positive charge.
Therefore, the net electric force acting on the metallic particle is attractive, which means it is directed towards the plate.