Can like charges accumulate in tight spaces despite repulsion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electric charges on an irregularly shaped conductor, specifically focusing on the relationship between electric field strength and local surface charge density at points of varying curvature.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the relationship between electric field and surface charge density to determine local charge densities at points of different curvature. Some participants question the assumption that charges accumulate at points of smallest radius of curvature, while others suggest reconsidering the implications of charge repulsion in tight spaces.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring differing interpretations of charge accumulation in relation to curvature and electric field strength. Participants are questioning established concepts and assumptions without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a textbook assertion regarding charge accumulation and curvature, which is being debated in the context of electric field behavior and charge repulsion.

mborn
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At two different points of an irregularly shaped conductor, the field had the following two values
5.6*10^4 and 2.8*10^4 respectively. Find the local surface charge density at;
1- the point with the greatest radius of curvature,
2- the point with the smallest raduis of curvature.

I know that at the point with the smallest radius of curvature, charges tend to accumulate, meaning that the first field corresponds to the point of the smallest radius of curvatire and I used E = sigma/epsilon_naught to find the two local charge densities. The answers I have is the reverse of what I got, He gave he one I had for the smallest r as the one of the greatest r! Is there anything wrong here, me or him?


M B
 
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Are you sure charge will accumulate where the radius of curvature is smallest? :-)
 
that is what is said on my book?

Charges tend to accumulate at the points at which radius of curvature is the smallest, that is at sharp points.

M B
 
Last edited:
If like charges repel why would they want to crowd together in tight places when they can spread out over regions of lower curvature?
 

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