Charge distribution on the inner and outer surfaces of a charged spherical shell

When a charge is placed on a conducting spherical shell, the charge distributes itself on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell due to the repulsion of like charges and the attraction of opposite charges.

Charge configuration and distribution

In this scenario, a charge of -150 nC is given to a concentric spherical shell, and a charge of +50 nC is placed at its center.

Charges on the inner and outer surfaces

To determine the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell, we need to consider the charge distribution and the properties of a conductor.

Properties of a conductor

- The electric field inside a conductor is zero.
- The charges reside on the outer surface of a conductor.
- The electric field just outside a conductor is perpendicular to the surface.

Charge distribution

Since the electric field inside a conductor is zero, the net charge inside the shell must be zero. Therefore, the charge on the inner surface of the shell must be +150 nC to balance the -150 nC charge on the shell.

Now, considering the charge of +50 nC at the center, the charge on the inner surface of the shell becomes +150 nC + (+50 nC) = +200 nC.

Charge on the outer surface

Since the charge on the inner surface of the shell is +200 nC, the total charge on the shell is -150 nC + (+200 nC) = +50 nC. Therefore, the charge on the outer surface of the shell is +50 nC.

In summary, the charge on the inner surface of the shell is +200 nC, and the charge on the outer surface of the shell is +50 nC.