A Charged metal Sphere [does charge move around]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of excess charge on a charged metal sphere, specifically whether this charge is in static equilibrium. Participants explore the implications of charge distribution on the surface of the sphere and the conditions under which equilibrium is maintained or disrupted.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that all excess charge on a charged metal sphere is in static equilibrium, implying that the electric field lines are perpendicular to the surface, preventing charge movement.
  • Another participant disagrees, stating that for a conductor to be in equilibrium, the excess charge must also be in static equilibrium, but if the conductor is not in equilibrium, the behavior of the charge cannot be assumed.
  • A participant questions the definition of a conductor in equilibrium and seeks clarification on the implications of charge distribution within a positively charged metal sphere.
  • It is noted that in equilibrium, the charge inside a conductor is zero and that the excess charge is distributed evenly on the surface, leading to the conclusion that the excess charge is in static equilibrium.
  • However, it is also mentioned that if external influences, such as another charged object, are introduced, the charge will rearrange and thus not be in equilibrium during that process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which the excess charge on a metal sphere is in static equilibrium. Some agree on the principles of charge distribution in equilibrium, while others challenge the assumptions regarding equilibrium in the presence of external fields.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the behavior of charge in conductors and the conditions for equilibrium, but there are unresolved questions about the implications of external influences on charge distribution and movement.

hms.tech
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For a charged metal sphere of charge "+q" is the following statement true ?

all the excess charge is in static equilibrium


The statement basically implies that the excess charge on the surface can't (and does not) move, hence supporting the theory that the Electric Field lines emerging from the metal sphere are always perpendicular to the surface .

Otherwise there would be a component of Electric field parallel to the charged surface thus would move the charge inside the metal sphere.

If it is, how does one come about this statement, and what is the reason for assuming it .
 
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hms.tech said:
For a charged metal sphere of charge "+q" is the following statement true ?

all the excess charge is in static equilibrium

nope

for a conductor in equilibrium, all the excess charge is in static equilibrium

(if the conductor isn't in equilibrium, then all bets are off :wink:)
 
tiny-tim said:
nope

for a conductor in equilibrium, all the excess charge is in static equilibrium

(if the conductor isn't in equilibrium, then all bets are off :wink:)

I don't quite get your point.

Firstly, a metal is a conductor (all metals are)

secondly, what exactly do u mean by A Conductor/metal in equilibrium ?

Remember that i am asking about a positively charged metal sphere.

By the link you provided, it says :

In equilibrium, the charge inside a conductor is zero, and the density of charge at the surface is greater...

the statement basically states that for a metal sphere, the excess charge is distributed evenly at the surface hence no excess charge exists INSIDE of the sphere.

That is what i understand from the link you provided ^^ ... am i right in thinking that way ?

If i am right, then moving on to the bedrock of this discussion , is the excess charge (which only lies on the surface of a metal sphere) in static equilibrium ?
 
hms.tech said:
… the statement basically states that for a metal sphere, the excess charge is distributed evenly at the surface hence no excess charge exists INSIDE of the sphere.

That is what i understand from the link you provided ^^ ... am i right in thinking that way ?

yes :smile:

in equilibrium, the charge stays on the surface of any conductor

(and if the conductor is a sphere, and if there is no external field, then by symmetry the charge will be distributed evenly)
If i am right, then moving on to the bedrock of this discussion , is the excess charge (which only lies on the surface of a metal sphere) in static equilibrium ?

if the charge is in equilibrium, then the charge is in equilibrium

if it isn't, then it isn't

for example, if a charged sphere is brought near another charged object, the charge will rearrange itself … while it's rearranging, it's not in equilibrium
 

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