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
A positive point charge Q is placed close to an isolated metal cube.
A positive point charge is placed close to an isolated metal cube.
Options
- AThe interior remains free of charge and the surface develops a nonuniform charge distribution.
- BThe cube acquires a net positive charge.
- CThe interior becomes positively charged while the surface becomes negatively charged.
- DThe cube acquires a net negative charge.
Correct answer
A. The interior remains free of charge and the surface develops a nonuniform charge distribution.
Step-by-step solution
When a positive point charge is placed near an isolated metal cube, electrostatic induction takes place.
The free electrons in the metal are attracted towards the positive charge, causing the surface closer to the charge to become negatively charged and the farther surface to become positively charged. This results in a nonuniform charge distribution on the surface.
Since the cube is isolated, its net charge remains zero.
In electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field inside a conductor is zero. According to Gauss's law, the net charge inside any closed surface entirely within the conductor must be zero. Thus, the interior of the cube remains completely free of charge.
The free electrons in the metal are attracted towards the positive charge, causing the surface closer to the charge to become negatively charged and the farther surface to become positively charged. This results in a nonuniform charge distribution on the surface.
Since the cube is isolated, its net charge remains zero.
In electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field inside a conductor is zero. According to Gauss's law, the net charge inside any closed surface entirely within the conductor must be zero. Thus, the interior of the cube remains completely free of charge.