AP Physics C E and M 10.1: Charge in Conductors

Describe how charge distributes within a conductor and connect electrostatic equilibrium with the electric field inside and at the surface.

[Maximum number: 1]

A nonconducting sphere of uniform volume charge density is surrounded by a thin concentric conducting spherical shell, as shown in the cutout view. The sphere has a charge of -Q and the shell has a charge of +3 Q. The radii of the inner sphere and spherical shell are R and 4 R, respectively, as shown in the cross-section view.

Determine the charge on the outer surface of the shell.

For correctly determining the charge on the outer surface of the shell 1 point

Example Response

\begin{aligned} & q_{\text {net }}=q_{\text {inner }}+q_{\text {outer }} \\ & q_{\text {outer }}=q_{\text {net }}-q_{\text {inner }} \\ & q_{\text {outer }}=+3 Q-(+Q) \\ & q_{\text {outer }}=+2 Q \end{aligned}

Scoring Note: A correct response may earn a point even if no work is shown.

Total for part (a)

1 points

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10.1.A—Describe the charge distribution within a conductor question 1