A nonconducting sphere contains positive charge distributed uniformly throughout its volume. Which statements about the potential due to this sphere are true? All potentials are measured relative to infinity.

Select one:
A. The potential at the center is the same as the potential at infinity.
B. The potential is highest at the center of the sphere.
C. The potential at the surface is higher than the potential at the center.
D. The potential at the center of the sphere is zero.

Question

A nonconducting sphere contains positive charge distributed uniformly throughout its volume. Which statements about the potential due to this sphere are true? All potentials are measured relative to infinity.

Select one:
A. The potential at the center is the same as the potential at infinity.
B. The potential is highest at the center of the sphere.
C. The potential at the surface is higher than the potential at the center.
D. The potential at the center of the sphere is zero.

anonymous · Answer

I am thinking it is B...but i am not sure

anonymous · Answer

you are right. B is the answer. Potential is largest at center. 
perhaps 1.5 times the value at the surface of the sphere.

anonymous · Answer

does "relative to infinity" change anything ?

anonymous · Answer

Gauss' Law

anonymous · Answer

what does it state?

anonymous · Answer

"relative to infinity" simply means the potential at infinity is zero. The final result won't change if choose any other reference point.

anonymous · Answer

@Diwakar what if it was a conducting spehere?

anonymous · Answer

Had it been conducting we would never have been able to charge it uniformly. Whatever charge we try to give to the inside part of the conductor would immediately run out onto the surface !

anonymous · Answer

potential at the centre is average of the potential at its surface.

anonymous · Answer

"B" is the answer since the insulating shell will not have any effect on the field