A solid metal block contains a spherical cavity that is entirely enclosed by the…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Problem
A solid metal block contains a spherical cavity that is entirely enclosed by the conducting material. No charges are present anywhere on or inside the block.
Answer the following about the electrostatic conditions of this system.
(1) Describe the magnitude and direction of the electric field at every point within the metal of the block while the system is in electrostatic equilibrium.
(2) Provide a qualitative explanation, based on charge behavior in conductors, for why every point inside the spherical cavity is also free of electric field even though it is surrounded by empty space rather than metal.
(3) A point charge +q is now placed at the geometric center of the cavity and held fixed. Describe how excess charge redistributes on (i) the cavity surface and (ii) the exterior surface of the block, and explain whether the net charge of the block as a whole changes.