Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 16 - Electric Charge and Electric Field - Misconceptual Questions - Page 468: 8

Answer

Choice B, the value measured will be slightly less than the electric field at that point before the test charge was brought in.

Work Step by Step

The positive test charge repels charges on the surface of the conductor, which then slide along the surface to get farther away from the test charge. By being farther from the point being considered, they contribute a smaller amount to the field there. That is why a very small test charge is specified.
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