Question

Some charge is being given to a conductor. Then its potential :-

• A. maximum at surface
• B. maximum at centre
• C. remain same throughout the conductor
• D. maximum somewhere between surface and centre

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To solve this problem, let's explore the potential distribution in a conductor when it is charged.

According to electrostatic principles, when a conductor is charged, all the excess charge resides on the surface of the conductor. This occurs due to the repulsive forces between like charges, which push them to the furthest possible distance from each other, which is on the surface.

Now, considering the potential, which is a measure of the work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to a point in the electric field, follows a fascinating rule for conductors. The key point to understand here is:

• Electrostatic shielding: Inside a conductor, the electric field is zero. Consequently, there is no potential difference within the conductor.
• The potential is constant throughout the conductor because there is no field inside to create a potential difference.

Thus, for a charged conductor, the potential at every point inside it, including the surface, is the same. Therefore, irrespective of the shape of the conductor, the potential remains uniform throughout, including the surface and the interior.

Now, let's eliminate the incorrect options:

• Option: Maximum at surface — The potential is not maximum at the surface; it is uniformly the same throughout the conductor, including the surface.
• Option: Maximum at centre — The potential is not maximum at the center. It remains constant and the same inside the entire conductor.
• Option: Maximum somewhere between surface and centre — This is incorrect as well because the potential is uniform throughout the conductor.

The correct explanation, as understood from electrostatic principles, is:

• Option: Remain same throughout the conductor — This is the correct choice, as the potential is constant all across the conductor, including the surface and the interior.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the potential remains the same throughout the conductor.