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A negative charge is placed inside the cavity of a hollow
Chapter 22, Problem 22.33(choose chapter or problem)
A negative charge is placed inside the cavity of a hollow metal solid. The outside of the solid is grounded by connecting a conducting wire between it and the earth. (a) Is there any excess charge induced on the inner surface of the piece of metal? If so, find its sign and magnitude. (b) Is there any excess charge on the outside of the piece of metal? Why or why not? (c) Is there an electric field in the cavity? Explain. (d) Is there an electric field within the metal? Why or why not? Is there an electric field outside the piece of metal? Explain why or why not. (e) Would someone outside the solid measure an electric field due to the charge Is it reasonable to say that the grounded conductor has shielded the region from the effects of the charge In principle, could the same thing be done for gravity? Why or why not?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
A negative charge is placed inside the cavity of a hollow metal solid. The outside of the solid is grounded by connecting a conducting wire between it and the earth. (a) Is there any excess charge induced on the inner surface of the piece of metal? If so, find its sign and magnitude. (b) Is there any excess charge on the outside of the piece of metal? Why or why not? (c) Is there an electric field in the cavity? Explain. (d) Is there an electric field within the metal? Why or why not? Is there an electric field outside the piece of metal? Explain why or why not. (e) Would someone outside the solid measure an electric field due to the charge Is it reasonable to say that the grounded conductor has shielded the region from the effects of the charge In principle, could the same thing be done for gravity? Why or why not?
ANSWER:(a) Yes, excess charge is induced on the inner surface of the piece of metal. Its sign is negative and its magnitude is equal to the magnitude of the charge placed inside the cavity.
(b) No, there is no excess charge on the outside of the piece of metal since it is grounded, which neutralizes any excess charge on the surface.
(c) Yes