Question

Given below are two statements.
Statement I : Electric potential is constant within and at the surface of each conductor.
Statement II : Electric field just outside a charged conductor is perpendicular to the surface of the conductor at every point.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both statement I and statement II are correct
• B. Both statement I and statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this question, let's analyze each statement in detail:

Statement I: "Electric potential is constant within and at the surface of each conductor."

• This statement is derived from the concept of electrostatics in conductors. At electrostatic equilibrium, conductors have no potential difference across their surface, which means the electric potential remains constant. Thus, Statement I is correct.

Statement II: "Electric field just outside a charged conductor is perpendicular to the surface of the conductor at every point."

• The electric field due to a charged conductor is always perpendicular to its surface. This is because, in electrostatic equilibrium, any electric field component parallel to the surface would cause charges to move, contradicting the equilibrium condition. Thus, Statement II is also correct.

In conclusion, both statements describe fundamental properties of electric fields and potentials in conductors at electrostatic equilibrium.

Correct Answer: Both statement I and statement II are correct