Author Question: A small metal sphere is suspended from the conducting cover of a conducting metal ice bucket by a ... (Read 144 times)

B · **on:** Jul 28, 2018

A small metal sphere is suspended from the conducting cover of a conducting metal ice bucket by a non-conducting thread. The sphere is given a negative charge before the cover is placed on the bucket. The bucket is tilted by means of a non-conducting material so that the charged sphere touches the inside of the bucket. Which statement is correct?
a. The negative charge remains on the metal sphere. b. The negative charge spreads over the outside surface of the bucket and cover.
c. The negative charge spreads over the inside surface of the bucket and cover.
d. The negative charge spreads equally over the inside and outside surfaces of the bucket and cover.
e. The negative charge spreads equally over the sphere and the inside and outside surfaces of the bucket and cover.

Question 2

An astronaut is in an all-metal chamber outside the space station when a solar storm results in the deposit of a large positive charge on the station. Which statement is correct?
a. The astronaut must abandon the chamber immediately to avoid being electrocuted. b. The astronaut will be safe only if she is wearing a spacesuit made of non-conducting materials.
c. The astronaut does not need to worry: the charge will remain on the outside surface. d. The astronaut must abandon the chamber if the electric field on the outside surface becomes greater than the breakdown field of air.
e. The astronaut must abandon the chamber immediately because the electric field inside the chamber is non-uniform.