AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 10.1 Electrostatics with Conductors Questions

Describe charge distribution within conductors 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

Covered syllabus points

10.1.A—Describe the charge distribution within a conductor

[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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Covered syllabus points

Question 1