Question

Assertion (A): If a conductor is grounded, the charge on it will always become zero.

Reason (R): Due to grounding, the potential on conductor becomes zero, so charge will also be zero alw

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true
• E. Both A and R are false

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Both A and R are false

Answer 2

Assertion (A): "If a conductor is grounded, the charge on it will always become zero." This statement is false. While grounding an isolated charged conductor makes its charge zero, grounding a conductor in the presence of external charges causes it to acquire a net charge (induced charge) such that its potential becomes zero. This net charge is generally non-zero. For example, if an uncharged conductor is grounded near a positive charge, it will acquire a net negative charge.

Reason (R): "Due to grounding, the potential on conductor becomes zero, so charge will also be zero always." The first part of the statement, "Due to grounding, the potential on conductor becomes zero," is true. However, the second part, "so charge will also be zero always," is false. Zero potential does not always imply zero charge, especially when external electric fields are present. The relationship $V \propto Q$ holds only for an isolated conductor. Therefore, the entire statement of Reason (R) is false.

Since both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false, the correct option is the one stating that both are false.