How does positive charge spread out in conductors?

AI Thread Summary
Excess positive charge in conductors, such as a metal sphere, results from a deficiency of electrons rather than the movement of protons, which cannot move. The charge spreads out over the surface due to the redistribution of available electrons, creating an equilibrium state. Some participants argue that discussing the movement of electrons is unnecessary for understanding basic electrical concepts, suggesting that positive and negative charges can be treated similarly. Others emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying mechanics, including concepts like electron holes in solid-state physics. The discussion highlights the complexity of charge distribution and the differing perspectives on how to approach the topic.
jperentosh
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I know that when there are excess positive charges in a conductor, for example, a metal sphere, the positive charges will spread out over its surface. However, I am confused about how this excess charge spreads out over the surface, if protons cannot move and only electrons can move.
Can someone please inform me on how the excess positive charge spreads out over the surfaces of conductors?
 
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jperentosh said:
I know that when there are excess positive charges in a conductor, for example, a metal sphere, the positive charges will spread out over its surface. However, I am confused about how this excess charge spreads out over the surface, if protons cannot move and only electrons can move.
Can someone please inform me on how the excess positive charge spreads out over the surfaces of conductors?

How do you "know" this? Could you provide a textbook reference that states this? It is not true...
 
Just imagine the situation. Excess positive charge means there is a lack of electrons. Would you really expect that in that case, say left side of the sphere would stay without electrons, and all electrons on the right side of the sphere would stay there?
 
berkeman said:
How do you "know" this? Could you provide a textbook reference that states this? It is not true...

I think you are being a bit harsh here. It is not necessary to discuss nuts and bolts (electrons) in the context of most matters electrical. You can treat Positive and Negative elecrostatic charges in exactly the same way in many or even most cases. Any decent model of electricity should work just as well in a world of antimatter - even if we have only, so far, produced about 30 Anti-Hydrogen atoms.

Do we not discuss Holes in solid state physics?
 

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