University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 23 - Electric Potential - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 777: Q23.19

Answer

See explanation.

Work Step by Step

As explained in the section on Gauss’s Law, the electric field inside a conductor is always zero in an electrostatic situation. This answer holds no matter how much excess charge it carries. Since the electric field is zero, it takes no work to move test charges within the conductor, and the electric potential does not vary from point to point within the material. The cavity inside the conductor contains no charge, so the electric field within it is also zero, and the electric potential is also the same everywhere within it. With zero electric field everywhere inside the object, the electric potential inside the cavity and inside the material must have the same value.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.