A conducting sphere is negatively charged. Which of the following statements is true?

Options

A. The charge is uniformly distributed throughout the entire volume.
B. The charge is located at the center of the sphere.
C. The charge is located at the bottom of the sphere because of gravity.
D. The charge is uniformly distributed on the surface of the sphere.

Explanation

To determine which statement is true regarding a negatively charged conducting sphere, we can analyze the properties of conductors and the behavior of electric charges.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Charge Distribution in Conductors**:
- When a conductor is charged, the free electrons within it will move in response to the electric field created by the charge. In the case of a negatively charged conducting sphere, the excess negative charge (electrons) will move to the surface of the sphere.

**Hint**: Remember that in conductors, charges move freely until they reach equilibrium.

2. **Electric Field Inside a Conductor**:
- According to electrostatic principles, the electric field inside a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium is zero. This means that any excess charge resides on the surface of the conductor and not within its volume.

**Hint**: Think about Gauss's law and how it applies to the electric field inside a conductor.

3. **Charge Distribution**:
- Since the charge is free to move, it will redistribute itself uniformly over the surface of the sphere. This is because the geometry of a sphere allows for uniform distribution of charge due to symmetry.

**Hint**: Consider how the shape of the sphere influences the distribution of charge.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct statement regarding a negatively charged conducting sphere is that the charge is uniformly distributed on the surface of the sphere, not throughout the entire volume.

**Hint**: Look for statements that mention the surface distribution of charge in conductors.

### Final Answer:
The charge is uniformly distributed on the surface of the sphere.