How can I make a gradient around a circle?

[jimlight]

Hi folks!

I have a dumb question -- how can I make a gradient around the circumference of a circular shaped object?

Here's an example -- I want to make a gradient that is black and white and goes linearly around the inside of this shape:

Is there a way to make this happen?

[Bojan Živković]

If you could post example to ensure what you exactly want to achieve. Perhaps Stroke inside can do the job? You can add multiple strokes by the way. Bottom stroke should be thicker.

Here is example of red and white strokes inside applied for the effect against black background.

[Chuck Uebele · Accepted solution]

Make a gradient left to right:

Use polar coordinates to bend the gradient:

If you used a Smart Object, rasterize it and rotate the gradient 180, then add a layer mask to confine the gradient to your shape.

[Trevor.Dennis]

Chuck, just thinking that there is an Angle Gradient option in the Gradient options.

[Chuck Uebele]

That works also, Trevor.

[Nancy OShea]

I did this a little differently. 

First I selected the area and filled it with black using the Paint Bucket tool.

I duplicated the layer with Ctrl / Cmd + J.

Then I double-clicked  the topmost layer to open the Styles Panel and added a Gradient Overlay.