A neutral conducting object of irregular shape is placed near a small external…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism · Conductors and Capacitors · Conductors and Capacitors
Problem
A neutral conducting object of irregular shape is placed near a small external positive charge. Three points on the surface of the object are labeled as follows: X is the closest point to the external charge, Y is farther away on the same side, and Z is on the side opposite the external charge. Which ranking of the magnitudes of the induced surface charge densities ∣σ∣ at these points is most likely?
(a) ∣σ∣ at Z > ∣σ∣ at Y > ∣σ∣ at X
(b) ∣σ∣ at X > ∣σ∣ at Y > ∣σ∣ at Z
(c) ∣σ∣ at Y > ∣σ∣ at X > ∣σ∣ at Z
(d) ∣σ∣ at X > ∣σ∣ at Y = ∣σ∣ at Z