Question

Let e(r) represent the electric field due to the charged ball throughout all of space. Which of the following statements about the electric field are true?

1) The electric field is zero at all points in space.
2) The electric field is non-zero only at points close to the charged ball.
3) The electric field is directed radially outward from the charged ball.
4) The electric field is directed radially inward towards the charged ball.

Answer 1

The electric field is not zero at all points in space and extends into space in all directions. Its magnitude decreases with distance, and the direction of the electric field depends on the charge of the ball, being radially outward for a positive charge and radially inward for a negative charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the characteristics of the electric field produced by a charged ball. With respect to the statements provided: statement 1 is incorrect as the electric field due to a charged object is not zero at all points in space; it extends into space and decreases with distance. Statement 2 is also incorrect because the electric field is still present, although weaker, at points far from the charged ball. Regarding statements 3 and 4, the direction of the electric field depends on the sign of the charge on the ball: if the ball is positively charged, then the electric field is directed radially outward from the ball (making statement 3 correct and 4 incorrect), and if it is negatively charged, the electric field is directed radially inward towards the ball (making statement 4 correct and 3 incorrect)