Induction of charge

greatscott

When a point charge of +q is put near a conducting infinite plane, net charge of -q is induced on the plane. Why and how does this occur? I thought that although the charges (free electrons) in the conductor will move (so that the electrons are closer to the point charge), the net charge of the plane will still be zero.

Tide

There will be net charge on the surface of the conductor but the conductor will remain net neutral. The conduction electrons throughout the conductor redistribute themselves such that there is no electric field within the conductor and field at the surface is normal to the surface.

greatscott

The book says "the total charge induced on the plane is -q." Maybe "induced charge on the plane" means something different from the net charge of the plane? How is "induced charge" measured?

cepheid

Quote by greatscott

The book says "the total charge induced on the plane is -q." Maybe "induced charge on the plane" means something different from the net charge of the plane? How is "induced charge" measured?

Tide answered that already:

Quote by Tide

There will be net charge on the surface of the conductor...

Quote by Tide

but the conductor will remain net neutral.

Similar Threads for: Induction of charge
Thread	Forum	Replies
electric field of a line charge and point charge	Introductory Physics Homework	14
A charge falls from infinity to within r of another charge, find velocity.	Introductory Physics Homework	1
The work required for adding a charge to an infinite charge distribution	Advanced Physics Homework	1
Attraction between positive charge and negative charge	Atomic, Solid State, Comp. Physics	6
net charge VS dipole moment in E field by infinite line charge	General Physics	5

greatscott	Induction of charge Tweet When a point charge of +q is put near a conducting infinite plane, net charge of -q is induced on the plane. Why and how does this occur? I thought that although the charges (free electrons) in the conductor will move (so that the electrons are closer to the point charge), the net charge of the plane will still be zero.

Tide Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor	There will be net charge on the surface of the conductor but the conductor will remain net neutral. The conduction electrons throughout the conductor redistribute themselves such that there is no electric field within the conductor and field at the surface is normal to the surface.