Question

Across the surface of a charged conductor, the electric:
$
 {\text{A}}{\text{. field is continuous}} \\
 {\text{B}}{\text{. potential is continuous}} \\
 {\text{C}}{\text{. field is discontinuous}} \\
 {\text{D}}{\text{. potential is discontinuous}} \\
$

Answer 1

Hint: Think about the conductor and interaction of the electric field lines with it and then relate it with potential as well.

Complete answer:
Electric field- It is the charge per unit area.
Electric potential-The difference in potential energies of two charges located at 2 different positions.

Points to remember-
a. No electric field lines pass from inside the conductor.
b. Electric field lines are perpendicular at the surface.
c. Potential inside the conductor is zero.
d. Potential is a result of the electric field.


This implies that the electric field lines are 0 inside of a conductor but are perpendicular at the surface of a conductor and so, the electric field lines are discontinuous at the surface. It is possible since they are not continuous.

The potential is constant inside and outside the conductor. As it is 0 inside the conductor due to the absence of any field line and outside the sphere, though the field lines are discontinuous but the potential is continuously present.

So, the correct answer is “Option B and C”.

Note:
It is important to remember the characteristic property of a conductor and electric fields and potential. Important questions from these concepts are asked.