Question

A positive point charge $q$ is located inside a neutral hollow spherical conducting shell. The shell has inner radius $a$ and outer radius $b$; ($b-a$ is not negligible). The shell is centered on the origin. Which of the following graphs correctly represent the variation of electric field $\text{vs}$ radius distance $X$ or electric potential $\text{vs}$ radial distance $X$. The point charge can be located anywhere inside shell on $X-axis$

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

In electrostatic equilibrium, Electric field in conducting material must be zero and potential must be constant.

The graphs of field and potential must be symmetric about $y-axis$ due to symmetry in the shell orientation.

So , we can say that option (a) correctly represents the variation for $E-x$ and option (b) correctly represents variation for $V-x$

Hence, options (a) and (b) are the correct alternatives.