Question

If a conductor has a potential $V_0$ and there are no charges anywhere else outside, then:

• A. there must be charges on the surface or inside itself.
• B. there cannot be any charge in the body of the conductor.
• C. there must be charges only on the surface.
• D. both (a) and (b) are correct.

Answer 1

The correct option is D both (a) and (b) are correct.

The potential of any body or a surface is due to the amount of charge present on it. It may also be due to the amount of charge inside it and outside of it. In order to have a non-zero potential there should be some charge either inside or on the surface of the body.

For a closed charged conductor, there will be no charge inside of it but it has non-zero potential.

So, option $D$ is correct.