A point charge q is placed inside an empty cavity of an initially neutral conductor, but not at the cavity centre. Which statement is necessarily correct?
Options

Question

A point charge q is placed inside an empty cavity of an initially neutral conductor, but not at the cavity centre. Which statement is necessarily correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Choose a Gaussian surface wholly inside the conducting material surrounding the cavity. Since E=0 there, enclosed net charge is zero. Thus q+ Q i n n e r = 0 Q_inner=0 Q i ​ nn er = 0 and Q i n n e r = − q . Q_inner=-q. Q i ​ nn er = − q . Its distribution need not be uniform, and the outer distribution depends on external geometry.