AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 10.1 A Describe the Charge Distribution Within a Conductor Questions

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

Exam points

apply zero interior electric field and constant potential to a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium
relate surface charge density and perpendicular surface field to conductor shape or curvature
predict polarization and charge redistribution when a conductor is placed in an external field
determine induced charge on inner and outer surfaces of conducting shells or cavities
sketch or interpret electric-field and potential graphs across conductor boundaries

[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

All question bank results loaded

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 10.1 A Describe the Charge Distribution Within a Conductor Questions question 1