Excess Charge Distribution on Grounded Metal Cup

In summary, the distribution of excess charge on the surface of the cup is only negative charge on the outside surface and no charge on the inside surface due to the application of Gauss's law. Any non-zero charge on the inside surface would result in a non-zero electric flux, but since the electric field is zero inside the conductor, this is not possible. Therefore, all charges are always on the outer surface of a conductor.
  • #1
terminator88
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A small positively charged sphere is lowered by a nonconducting threead into a grounded metal cup without touching the inside surface of the cup.The grounding wire attached to the outside surface is disconnected and the charged sphere is then removed from cup.What is the distribution of excess charge on surface of the cup?

Answer:Negative charge resides on the outside surface and no charge resides on the inside surface

I understand tht there is only negative charge but I don't understand why the negative charge isn't also on the inside surface...is it because all charges are always on the outer surface of a conductor?
But the inside surface of the cup is also the outer surface of the conductor?
Can anyone please explain...thank you
 
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  • #2
Say there were some non-zero charge on the inside surface of the sphere. Then you can construct a closed Gaussian surface lying entirely between the outer and inner surface. The charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface is ##q_{enc.}=-Q##. The total electric flux through the surface is ##\Phi_E=0## because the electric field everywhere on the Gaussian surface is zero since the surface is entirely inside the conductor. Now Gauss's law says ##\Phi_E=\dfrac{q_{enc}}{\epsilon_0}##. Since the left side is zero, the right side must also be zero. Therefore ##q_{enc.}## must be zero, i.e. there is no charge of any sign on the inside surface.
 

1. What is excess charge distribution on grounded metal cup?

Excess charge distribution on grounded metal cup refers to the uneven distribution of electric charge on the surface of a metal cup that is connected to the ground. This can occur when the cup comes into contact with a charged object, causing some of the excess charge to transfer onto the surface of the cup.

2. How does the excess charge distribute itself on a grounded metal cup?

The excess charge on a grounded metal cup will distribute itself evenly across the surface of the cup. This is due to the fact that the metal is a good conductor of electricity, allowing the excess charge to move freely and evenly across its surface.

3. Why does the excess charge distribute itself on a grounded metal cup?

The excess charge distributes itself on a grounded metal cup in order to reach a state of equilibrium. This means that the charge will try to spread out as evenly as possible in order to minimize the repulsion between like charges and achieve a more stable state.

4. What factors can affect the distribution of excess charge on a grounded metal cup?

The distribution of excess charge on a grounded metal cup can be affected by the size and shape of the cup, as well as the amount and polarity of the excess charge. The presence of other nearby objects and the conductivity of the surrounding environment can also play a role in the distribution of the charge.

5. How can the distribution of excess charge on a grounded metal cup be measured?

The distribution of excess charge on a grounded metal cup can be measured using a device called an electroscope. This instrument detects the presence and magnitude of electric charge by using the repulsion between like charges. By bringing the electroscope near the cup, the distribution of the excess charge can be observed and measured.

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