A point charge of 6.0 nC is placed at the center of a hollow spherical conductor (inner radius = 1.0 cm, outer radius = 2.0 cm) which has a net charge of −4.0 nC. Determine the resulting charge density on the inner surface of the conducting sphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The charge inside the conductor induces an equal but opposite charge on the inner surface to maintain electrostatic equilibrium. Thus, the inner surface will have a charge of -6.0 nC to neutralize the effect of the +6.0 nC point charge. The choice of units in the options seems to be a mistake (μC/m²), but the correct concept is that the inner surface charge density is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the point charge placed at the center.

A Point Charge of 6