
The electric potential inside a conductor:
A) is zero
B) increases with distance from the centre
C) is constant
D) decreases with distance from the centre
Answer
491.1k+ views
Hint: The electrostatic field inside a conductor is zero as the charges only reside on the surface of the conductor. Since the electrostatic field is defined as the negative gradient of the electrostatic potential, we can easily determine the potential on the inside of the conductor.
Formula used:
-The electrostatic field is given by, where is the electrostatic potential and is the distance from the charge.
Complete step by step solution:
Step 1: Based on the value of the electric field obtain the electric potential inside the conductor.
A conductor has free charges. But the charges will distribute themselves such that no charge is present on the inside of the conductor. Since an electric field requires the presence of a charge, the electric field inside the conductor will be zero i.e., .
Now the electrostatic field can be expressed as .
Inside the conductor we have
Thus the electric potential will be constant inside the conductor.
So the correct option is C.
Additional information:An application of the zero electric field inside a conductor is electrostatic shielding. It is often mentioned that during lightning, it is safer to be in a car. This is because the car which is a conductor will have no charges on its inside and hence even if it gets struck by lightning, the charges will reside only on the outer surface of the car.
Note: A zero electric field inside the conductor indicates that no potential difference exists between two points on the inside of the conductor. Since zero is also a constant number, the electrostatic potential inside the conductor can also be taken to be zero. So option A can also be considered as the correct option. However, the potential inside the conductor must match the potential on the surface of the conductor.
Formula used:
-The electrostatic field is given by,
Complete step by step solution:
Step 1: Based on the value of the electric field
A conductor has free charges. But the charges will distribute themselves such that no charge is present on the inside of the conductor. Since an electric field requires the presence of a charge, the electric field inside the conductor will be zero i.e.,
Now the electrostatic field can be expressed as
Inside the conductor we have
Thus the electric potential will be constant inside the conductor.
So the correct option is C.
Additional information:An application of the zero electric field inside a conductor is electrostatic shielding. It is often mentioned that during lightning, it is safer to be in a car. This is because the car which is a conductor will have no charges on its inside and hence even if it gets struck by lightning, the charges will reside only on the outer surface of the car.
Note: A zero electric field inside the conductor indicates that no potential difference exists between two points on the inside of the conductor. Since zero is also a constant number, the electrostatic potential inside the conductor can also be taken to be zero. So option A can also be considered as the correct option. However, the potential inside the conductor must match the potential on the surface of the conductor.
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 12 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
A deep narrow valley with steep sides formed as a result class 12 biology CBSE

a Tabulate the differences in the characteristics of class 12 chemistry CBSE

Why is the cell called the structural and functional class 12 biology CBSE

Which are the Top 10 Largest Countries of the World?

Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous class 12 chemistry CBSE

Derive an expression for electric potential at point class 12 physics CBSE
