A neutral spherical conductor contains an off-centre cavity with a point charge q fixed inside it. Initially the system is in electrostatic equilibrium. A uniform external electric field E is then switched on. Which statements are correct after a new electrostatic equilibrium is reached?
Select all that apply

Question

A neutral spherical conductor contains an off-centre cavity with a point charge q fixed inside it. Initially the system is in electrostatic equilibrium. A uniform external electric field E is then switched on. Which statements are correct after a new electrostatic equilibrium is reached?

Select all that apply

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Electrostatic shielding ensures that external fields do not penetrate through the conducting material into a closed cavity. Therefore the electric field configuration inside the cavity, and hence the force on the internal charge and the induced distribution on the cavity wall, are unchanged. The outer surface rearranges charge to cancel the external field inside the metal. A Gaussian surface lying in the conductor around the cavity always gives Q i n n e r Q_inner Q i ​ nn er = -q. Therefore D…