During a violent electric storm, a car is struck by a falling high-voltage wire that puts an excess charge of 850 uC on the metal car. (a) how much of this charge is on the inner surface of the car? (b) How much is on the outer surface?

Question

ok...I didn't think there was any charge on the inner surface of the car because there is some kind of bubble or something. I don't know maybe that was just around the person inside the car. but I am confused I am not sure how to even start this problem.

Answer 1

A closed metal (conducting) container cannot have charges on the inner surface, because that would create an electric field between the inner and outer walls. The electric charges must be on the outside surface.