An uncharged spherical conducting shell surrounds a charge –q at the center of the shell. Then charge +3q is placed on the outsi

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An uncharged spherical conducting shell surrounds a charge –q at the center of the shell. Then charge +3q is placed on the outsi

de of the shell.
When static equilibrium is reached, the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell are respectively:

a) +q, -q
b) -q, +q
c) +q, +2q
d) +2q, +q

Physics

1 answer:

Maru [3.3K] · Answer 1 · 2026-03-25T11:40:19+03:00

Answer:The charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell are +q and -q, respectively

Explanation:

In static equilibrium within a conductor, the total electric field, denoted as E, equals zero

This indicates that no charge can be in motion, maintaining the static state of equilibrium within the conductor.

Since the Electric field, E remains zero, the flux through the shell’s surface is also zero.

According to Gauss' law, the total enclosed charge must be zero.

Given that the center of the shell has a charge of -q, the positive charge on the inner surface must be +q in order for the total charge enclosed to balance out to zero.

As the charge resides in static equilibrium, there will be a corresponding negative charge on the outer surface, which totals to -q.

This leads us to the conclusion that the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell are +q and -q, respectively