Question

How does an empty cavity inside a conductor relate to electrostatic shielding?

Options

• The cavity has the same field as the conductor's outer surface.

• The cavity shields only if excess charge is placed inside it.

• The cavity must have a tangential electric field to provide shielding.

• With no charge placed inside, the cavity has zero electric field, providing shielding.

Answer 1

When no charge is placed inside the cavity, the electric field in it remains zero. This zero-field condition is the basis of electrostatic shielding.