Induction in electrostatic equilibrium conductor

In summary, induction in electrostatic equilibrium conductor refers to the process of charge redistribution and creation of an electric field when a charged object is brought near a conductor. This creates electrostatic equilibrium and can be used to charge the conductor. The main difference between induction and conduction is that induction does not require direct contact between the objects. The shape of the conductor can affect the strength of the induced electric field.
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A13235378
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Homework Statement
Consider a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium, approach if charged objects so that one region of that conductor has an excess of positive charges and another region with an excess of negative charges.
Relevant Equations
Equipotential regions
We know that both the interior and the surface of an electrostatically balanced conductor are equipotential. My question is if when we approach the loaded objects, the surface of the conductor will continue to be an equipotential. If not, then there could be a field line that left the region with an excess of positive charges going to the region with an excess of negative charges?
 
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  • #2
Correct. The electric field lines are perpendicular to the surface. If they were not, charge would move until they are perpendicular.

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1. What is electrostatic equilibrium?

Electrostatic equilibrium refers to the state in which the electric charges within a conductor are evenly distributed and there is no net movement of charge. This means that the electric field within the conductor is zero and the conductor is at rest.

2. How does induction occur in an electrostatic equilibrium conductor?

Induction in an electrostatic equilibrium conductor occurs when an external charged object is brought near the conductor. The electric field of the external object causes the charges within the conductor to redistribute, creating an induced electric field that cancels out the external electric field. This results in the conductor remaining in electrostatic equilibrium.

3. What is the difference between induced charge and net charge in an electrostatic equilibrium conductor?

Induced charge refers to the redistribution of charges within a conductor due to an external electric field, while net charge refers to the total amount of charge within the conductor. In electrostatic equilibrium, the induced charge is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the external charge, resulting in a net charge of zero.

4. How does the shape of a conductor affect induction in electrostatic equilibrium?

The shape of a conductor does not affect induction in electrostatic equilibrium as long as the conductor is in contact with the external object. This is because the charges within the conductor will always redistribute to create an induced electric field that cancels out the external electric field, regardless of the shape of the conductor.

5. Can an electrostatic equilibrium conductor have a net charge?

No, an electrostatic equilibrium conductor cannot have a net charge. This is because in electrostatic equilibrium, the induced charge is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the external charge, resulting in a net charge of zero. Any excess charge on the conductor will cause the charges to redistribute until electrostatic equilibrium is reached.

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