Can a Conductor Maintain Electrostatic Equilibrium Without Free Charges?

AI Thread Summary
Electrostatic equilibrium in conductors requires the electric field to be zero; otherwise, charges will move until equilibrium is reached. In regions without excess free charges, the material may not function as a true conductor. Conductors are defined by their abundance of free electrons that allow for charge movement. In contrast, applying an electric field to a dielectric or insulator does not result in current flow. Therefore, a conductor cannot maintain electrostatic equilibrium without free charges present.
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Homework Statement



When books of elctromagnetism talk about Electrostatic equilibrium，they say electric charges will keep moving if electric field in the conductor doesn't equal to zero utill it does.However,what if there are no excess free charges in the area where that doesn't equal to zero?

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The Attempt at a Solution



Maybe areas without free charges in the conductor can not be called 'conductor'.
 
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You're right ... conducts are materials with excess of free electrons

If you apply electric field across dielectric or insulator ... yo will not notice any current
 

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