Question

What is the net electrostatic field in the interior of a conductor?

(a) Positive

(b) Negative

(c) Zero

(d) Depends on the nature of the conductor

The question was posed to me in homework.

Asked question is from Electrostatics of Conductors in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) Zero

To explain I would say: Net electrostatic field is zero in the interior of a conductor. When a conductor is placed in an electric field, its free electrons begin to move in the opposite direction. Negative charges are induced on the left end and positive charges on the right end of the conductor. The process continues until the electric field set up by induced charges becomes equal and opposite the external field.