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QPages 139-140: Q4: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Gauss's Law Pages 139-140: Q4 Solution: A thin, metallic spherical shell contains a charge Q on it. A…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often incorrectly assume that an external charge $q_1$ distorts the shell's charge distribution in a way that exerts a net force on the central charge $q$. In reality, the shell is a conductor that shields the interior from external electric fields, ensuring the field inside the metal is zero and the force on the central charge remains zero regardless of external charges.

A thin, metallic spherical shell contains a charge Q on it. A point charge q is placed at the centre of the shell and another charge q1q_1 is placed outside it as shown in the following figure. All the three charges are positive. The force on the central charge due to the shell is _______.

Multiple Choice Options

  • A towards left
  • B towards right
  • C upward
  • D zero

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (d) zero. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** The force on the central charge due to the shell is zero (by Gauss's law and symmetry).

All Questions in this Chapter

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