Can Electric Fields Pass Through Both Conductors and Insulators?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether electric fields can pass through both conductors and insulators, exploring the underlying principles and mechanisms involved. It includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications related to electromagnetic waves and electric fields.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that conductors block electromagnetic waves, referencing the principle of a Faraday cage.
  • Others question the relationship between Faraday's law and the behavior of electric fields in conductors versus insulators.
  • One participant explains that the movement of free electrons in conductors leads to a situation where the electric field must be zero for equilibrium.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the ability of conductors to allow electric fields to pass through, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions under which electric fields interact with conductors and insulators, nor does it resolve the implications of Gaussian law in this context.

Godwin Kessy
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Do both conductors and insulators allow electric fields through and why?
 
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No, conductors block EM waves. That is the principle behind a Faraday cage.
 
DaleSpam said:
No, conductors block EM waves. That is the principle behind a Faraday cage.

hey! Isnt that all about faradays cage is the principle under gaussians law, and by the way why conductors don't allow electric field pass through as the insulators do?
 
Godwin Kessy said:
hey! Isnt that all about faradays cage is the principle under gaussians law, and by the way why conductors don't allow electric field pass through as the insulators do?

The electrons in a conductor are free to move. If there were an electric field, the electrons would accelerate. The only way for a conductor to be at equilibrium is for the electric field to be 0.
 
Thanks man!
 

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