Question

Two thin conducting concentric shells of radii \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \) are shown in the figure. The inner shell carries a charge \( +Q \) and the outer shell is neutral. Then the correct statement is:

• (a) and (b) are correct
• (a) is correct, (b) is wrong
• (a) is wrong, (b) is correct
• (a) and (b) are wrong

Hint:

When dealing with concentric spherical conductors, remember that the potential inside a conductor is constant and can be manipulated by placing the conductor at a specific potential, such as zero.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

(a) When the switch is closed, the potential on the inner shell becomes zero. This is because when the switch is closed, the outer shell is neutral and does not influence the inner shell. The potential on the inner shell is grounded and becomes zero.
(b) With the switch closed, the charge on the outer shell is \( -Q \), and it is uniformly distributed over the surface of the outer shell. This happens because of the influence of the charge \( +Q \) on the inner shell, which induces a charge \( -Q \) on the inner surface of the outer shell.