A series of n uncharged concentric shells surround a small central charge q. The charge distributed on the outside of the nth shell is
A) −nq.
B) −(ln n)q.
C) +q.
D) +(ln n)q.
E) +nq.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The charge distributed on the outside of the nth shell must be +q to ensure that the electric field outside the nth shell is only due to the central charge q. This is in accordance with Gauss's law, which states that the electric field outside a spherically symmetric charge distribution is as if all the charge were concentrated at the center.

A Series of N Uncharged Concentric Shells Surround a Small