Question

A solid plastic ball has negative charge uniformly spread over its surface. Which of the diagrams in Figure 14.85 best shows the polarization of molecules inside the ball?

Short answer

Diagram (c) correctly represents the polarization of the molecules inside the ball.

Step-by-step solution

Significance of the polarization

The polarization is referred to as the property of electromagnetic radiation, in which the magnitude and the direction of an electric field are related specifically.

The concept of polarization gives the polarization of molecules inside the ball.

Determination of the polarization of molecules inside the ball

Here, as the electric field inside a uniformly charged sphere is zero, then the polarization of the molecules will not happen as there is no electric field inside.

Diagrams (a) and (b) shows the polarization of the molecules which are incorrect as there is no net electric field inside the ball and due to not having an electric field, only the negative charge should be there at the surface.

Diagram (c) shows only the uniform negative charge outside the sphere which is correct as no polarization will happen.

Thus, diagram (c) correctly represents the polarization of the molecules inside the ball.