Chapter 33, Problem 9A

a. Can gravity be shielded?

b. Can electric fields be shielded?

To determine

To explain: The gravity field can be shielded

Explanation of Solution

No, gravitational fields cannot be shielded. If one bring a object with mass to cover up the field or making a wall to reduce its gravitational field effect, this would increase the gravitational even more. Because the gravitational field by the other object add up the existing gravitational field in that region.

To determine

To explain: The electric field can be shielded

Explanation of Solution

Yes, electric fields can be shielded. Because the net electric field inside it is zero, so if you place a charged object inside a hollow conductor, it will not be attracted or repel by the outer electric field. The outer field can’t expect any force on the charged object inside a hollow conductor.