Question

Consider a uniform spherical shell. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the gravitational field and potential inside the shell?

• A. The gravitational field is zero.
• B. The gravitational potential is zero.
• C. The gravitational field is the same at every point inside.
• D. The gravitational potential is the same at every point inside.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C), (D)

The gravitational field is zero, and the gravitational potential is the same at every point inside.

Answer 2

For a uniform spherical shell, the gravitational field inside is zero everywhere. Since the field is zero, the potential difference between any two points inside is zero, meaning the potential is constant throughout the interior. The potential itself is not zero, but a constant negative value (relative to zero potential at infinity). Thus, the field is zero, and both the field and potential are constant (the same) at every point inside.