Question

If the charge \(Q\) is given to a conductor, then

• A. Total charge resides on its centre
• B. Total charge distributes its infinite volume
• C. Total charge always resides on its outer surface
• D. Charge will travel between the centre and surface of the conductor

Hint:

In electrostatic equilibrium, charges in a conductor reside on its outer surface. This ensures that the electric field inside the conductor is zero.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In the case of a conductor, when a charge \(Q\) is applied, the distribution of the charge follows specific principles based on electrostatics. Let’s analyze the options:

• Option 1: Total charge resides on its center.
  This is incorrect. In conductors, charges move freely. In electrostatic equilibrium, the charge does not reside at the center of the conductor. Instead, the charge will accumulate on the surface of the conductor.
• Option 2: Total charge distributes throughout its infinite volume.
  This is also incorrect. A conductor in electrostatic equilibrium does not distribute charge throughout its volume. Instead, the charge moves to the surface. The electric field inside a conductor must be zero in electrostatic equilibrium, which results in charges residing on the outer surface.
• Option 3: Total charge always resides on its outer surface.
  This is correct. In a conductor, charges accumulate on the surface, especially in electrostatic equilibrium. This is due to the fact that the electric field inside the conductor is zero, and charges will move to the surface to minimize repulsion among like charges.
• Option 4: Charge will travel between the center and surface of the conductor.
  This is incorrect. In electrostatic equilibrium, charges do not move from the center to the surface once they have settled. Once charges are distributed on the surface, they remain there, and there is no further movement between the center and surface.

Thus, the correct answer is that the charge always resides on the outer surface of a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium.