Why is (B) Incorrect in This Electrostatics Question?

In summary, the statement about conductors under electrostatic conditions is true is that the surface of a conductor is always an equipotential surface. This means that the charge on the surface is not spread evenly, but rather the surface changes to accept the charge placed upon it. This is different from the statement that charge on a surface always spreads evenly over the surface. The surface changes in order to maintain an equipotential surface, even in the presence of an external non-uniform magnetic field.
  • #1
flyingpig
2,579
1

Homework Statement




Which of the following statements about conductors under electrostatic conditions is true?
(A) Positive work is required to move a positive charge over the surface of a conductor.
(B) Charge that is placed on the surface of a conductor always spreads evenly over the surface.
(C) The electric potential inside a conductor is always zero.
(D) The electric field at the surface of a conductor is tangent to the surface.
(E) The surface of a conductor is always an equipotential surface.

The Attempt at a Solution



I picked (B), but apparently the answer is (E)

Anyone have a clue... why (B) is incorrect?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


option E is correct.
 
  • #3


JhonMoney said:
option E is correct.

Yeah...because I told you.
 
  • #4


Check your textbook. It gives some examples. Charge is densest where the radius of curvature is smallest and positive. In places where the surface is concave (radius of curvature is negative) there will be practically no excess charge. The charge is distributed so as to make the surface be an equipotential surface. (I know that's the given answer.) but since the E field everywhere in the conductor is zero, the whole conductor, including the surface, is all at the same potential.
 
  • #5


The charge gets distributed so as to make the surface be an equipotential surface. In presence of an external non-uniform magnetic field, charge density will vary accordingly, to maintain equipotentiality.
 
  • #6


the choices B and E are a bit ambiguous but i think this is the distinguishing answer your after.
charge on a surface is not spread evenly over the surface, the surface changes to accept the charge placed upon it.
option B suggest charge is spread evenly over surface
option E says surfaces changes such that charge is spread evenly
 

FAQ: Why is (B) Incorrect in This Electrostatics Question?

What does it mean when it says "78% exam takers got this M/C wrong"?

This means that 78% of the people who took the exam answered this multiple choice question incorrectly.

Why is it important to know that I am now part of the 78% who got it wrong?

Knowing that you are part of the majority who got the question wrong can help you identify areas where you need to improve your understanding or study methods.

What does it mean to be a conductor?

A conductor is a material that allows electricity or heat to pass through it easily.

What are some examples of conductors?

Some examples of conductors include metals such as copper, silver, and gold, as well as water and the human body.

Why is it important to understand conductors?

Understanding conductors is important in fields such as electrical engineering and physics, as it allows us to harness and control the flow of electricity and heat for various applications.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
952
Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
476
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
26
Views
3K
Back
Top