Moderate

If a solid metallic sphere contains positive charges Q, then according to Gauss's law, theposition of charges Q is uniformly

Correct answer: D. Distributed on the outer surface of the sphere

  • A. Concentrated at the centre of the sphere
  • B. Distributed on the inner surface of the sphere
  • C. Concentrated inside and outside of the sphere
  • D. Distributed on the outer surface of the sphere

Explanation

The correct answer is that the positive charges Q are distributed on the outer surface of the sphere. According to Gauss's law, the electric field inside a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium is zero. Therefore, any excess positive charge will move to the surface of the conductor. This leads to the conclusion that charges will not reside in the interior of the sphere but instead will be found uniformly distributed on its outer surface. The other options are incorrect because:Concentrated at the centre of the sphere: Charges in a conductor cannot be concentrated at the center; they will always move to the surface.Distributed on the inner surface of the sphere: This is not possible since the charges move to the outer surface in a metallic conductor.Concentrated inside and outside of the sphere: This option is incorrect as it contradicts the fundamental principle that charges in a conductor do not remain inside the conductor.

Last updated

About Electric Field

An electric field is the force experienced per unit positive test charge, with the field of a point charge given by E = kQ/r² and directed away from positive charges or toward negative charges. Questions involve field lines, superposition and force on a charge, while electric field must be distinguished from electric potential.

Practise Electrostatics

831 free Electrostatics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions