Question

Which of the following is not true for a perfect conductor?

• A. Electric field inside a conductor is zero
• B. The electric field just outside a conductor is always perpendicular to the surface.
• C. The surface of a conductor is an equipotential surface.
• D. The charge carried by a conductor is always uniformly distributed over the surface of the conductor irrespective of the shape of the conductor.

Hint:

Charge on a conductor is uniformly distributed only for highly symmetric shapes like a sphere, not for every conductor.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Property of electric field inside conductor.
For a perfect conductor in electrostatic equilibrium, electric field inside the conductor is zero.
So, option (A) is true.

Step 2: Electric field just outside conductor.
The electric field just outside the surface of a conductor is perpendicular to the surface.
If it had a tangential component, charges would move along the surface.
So, option (B) is true.

Step 3: Equipotential nature of conductor.
Since electric field inside the conductor is zero, potential remains constant throughout the conductor and on its surface.
So, option (C) is true.

Step 4: Distribution of charge.
Charge on a conductor resides on the outer surface, but it is not always uniformly distributed.

Step 5: Dependence on shape.
Charge density is greater at sharp edges and smaller on flatter surfaces. Therefore, charge distribution depends on the shape of the conductor.

Step 6: Identify incorrect statement.
Option (D) says charge is always uniformly distributed irrespective of shape, which is not true.

Step 7: Final conclusion.
\[ \boxed{\text{Option (D)}} \] Hence, correct answer is option (D).