MasteryExams
General Science • PhysicsHard

An uncharged conducting spherical shell surrounds a point charge placed at its exact geometric center without touching it. Which of the following statements correctly describes the electrostatic field and charge distribution configuration?

A. Induced charges appear on both inner and outer surfaces of the shell, but the electric field outside the outer surface remains unaffected by the presence of the conducting shell✓ Correct Answer
B. Induced charges appear exclusively on the outer surface while the inner surface remains entirely neutral and devoid of any electrostatic charge accumulation
C. The conducting shell screens the internal region completely while generating an intense external electric field that varies directly with the thickness of the metallic wall
D. No charge induction occurs on any surface of the conducting shell because the point charge is situated freely in air without physical contact

💡 Solution & Explanation

Electrostatic induction causes an equal and opposite charge to appear on the inner surface of the shell and an equivalent charge of the same sign to appear on the outer surface, while Faraday shielding ensures the external field depends solely on the net enclosed charge and behaves as if concentrated at the center. Inner neutrality is impossible because electric field lines from the point charge must terminate on the inner wall. Shell thickness does not alter external field configuration. Induction occurs regardless of direct physical contact due to Coulomb electric forces.

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