A small metal sphere is suspended from the conducting cover of a conducting metal ice bucket by a non-conducting thread. The sphere is given a negative charge before the cover is placed on the bucket. The bucket is tilted by means of a non-conducting material so that the charged sphere touches the inside of the bucket. Which statement is correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a charged object comes into contact with a conductor, the charge redistributes over the surface of the conductor. In this case, since the bucket and cover are conductive, the negative charge on the sphere will spread over the outer surfaces of the bucket and cover, not remaining localized on the sphere or spreading equally over the inside surfaces or the sphere itself.

A Small Metal Sphere Is Suspended from the Conducting Cover