Electric Field inside a conductor

In summary, the electric field inside a conductor is a measure of the force per unit charge experienced by a charge placed at a specific point inside the conductor. It is always constant and unaffected by the shape of the conductor, as long as it is in a state of equilibrium. When an external electric field is applied, the free electrons inside redistribute themselves to create a zero electric field inside, known as the Faraday cage effect. The electric field inside a conductor can never be non-zero as long as it is in a state of equilibrium, as any excess charge on the surface of the conductor will create an opposite electric field inside to cancel out the external field.
  • #1
leolaw
85
1
How come the electric field inside a conductor is equal to 0?

How do you explain with Gauss's Law?
 
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  • #2
What are the requirements for an electric field to be present? A brand new battery sitting on a countertop--is there an e-field sitting at the top and bottom of the battery?
 
  • #3


The electric field inside a conductor is equal to 0 because of the principles of electrostatic equilibrium. This means that the charges inside the conductor are at rest and in a state of equilibrium, with no net movement of charge. In this state, the electric field inside the conductor must be 0, as any non-zero electric field would cause the charges to move, thus disrupting the equilibrium.

This can also be explained using Gauss's Law, which states that the net electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the enclosed charge divided by the permittivity of free space. In the case of a conductor, the charges are distributed evenly throughout the material, and the electric field inside the conductor is perpendicular to the surface. This means that the net electric flux through any closed surface drawn inside the conductor is 0, as there is no enclosed charge. Therefore, according to Gauss's Law, the electric field inside the conductor must also be 0.

In summary, the electric field inside a conductor is equal to 0 due to the principles of electrostatic equilibrium and can also be explained using Gauss's Law. This is a fundamental property of conductors and is important in understanding their behavior in electrical systems.
 

1. What is an electric field inside a conductor?

The electric field inside a conductor is a measure of the force that would be exerted on a positive test charge placed at a specific point inside the conductor. In other words, it is the force per unit charge experienced by a charge placed at that point.

2. Is the electric field inside a conductor constant?

Yes, the electric field inside a conductor is always constant. This is because the free electrons inside the conductor are in a state of equilibrium and will distribute themselves in such a way that the electric field is zero inside the conductor.

3. How does the shape of a conductor affect the electric field inside?

The shape of a conductor does not affect the electric field inside. As long as the conductor is in a state of equilibrium, the electric field inside will always be zero. However, the shape of the conductor can affect the distribution of charge on its surface, which can in turn affect the electric field outside the conductor.

4. What happens to the electric field inside a conductor when an external electric field is applied?

If an external electric field is applied to a conductor, the free electrons inside will redistribute themselves in such a way that the resulting electric field inside the conductor is zero. This is known as the Faraday cage effect and is the reason why conductors are used to shield from external electric fields.

5. Can the electric field inside a conductor ever be non-zero?

No, the electric field inside a conductor can never be non-zero as long as it is in a state of equilibrium. Any excess charge on the surface of the conductor will create an opposite electric field inside, canceling out the external field.

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