Test masses are used to measure the gravitational field at various positions in and near a hollow spherical shell. The gravitational field will be smallest at point(s)
A) 5
B) 4
C) 3
D) 1, 2, and 5
E) 1 and 2

Question

Test masses are used to measure the gravitational field at various positions in and near a hollow spherical shell. The gravitational field will be smallest at point(s) 
A) 5 
B) 4 
C) 3 
D) 1, 2, and 5 
E) 1 and 2

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the Shell Theorem, the gravitational field inside a hollow spherical shell is zero. Therefore, the gravitational field will be smallest at the points closest to the surface of the shell, which are points 1 and 2. Point 5 is on the surface of the shell, so there is no gravitational field inside or outside the shell at that point. Therefore, the correct answer is E, 1 and 2.

Test Masses Are Used to Measure the Gravitational Field at Various