Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with its centre at the origin, carrying uniform positive surface charge density. The variation of the magnitude of the electric field ∣E(r)∣ and the electric potential V(r) with the distance r from the centre, is best represented by which graph ?
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)
(C)(see structure)
(D)(see structure)✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
For a uniformly charged spherical shell: Inside (r<R): E=0 and V=constant. Outside (r>R): E∝1/r2 and V∝1/r. The electric field is zero inside and decreases as 1/r2 outside. The potential is constant inside and decreases as 1/r outside. Option (D) correctly shows these behaviors.
JEE Advanced · 2012 · 08 Apr 2012 · Paper 1 · Single correct option