Charge Distribution on Spherical Conductors

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In a spherical conductor, charges reside on the surface rather than being distributed throughout the volume. When in electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field inside the conductor is zero, leading to no charge accumulation within. The charge density on the surface is influenced by the curvature, being higher where the radius of curvature is smaller. In the given scenario, the inner conductor has a negative charge density, while the outer shell has a positive charge density. Understanding these principles is crucial for analyzing charge distribution in conductive materials.
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Homework Statement



given a spherical conductor with charge -5 units per unit volume, inside of a thick, spherical shell with charge +2 units per unit volume, where is the charge on the shell?

Homework Equations


conceptual questions


The Attempt at a Solution



this isn't a homework question,i just don't remember where charges go on a conductor.
are they always on the surface(s)?
are they distributed evenly throughout?

thanks!
 
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hi jehan60188! :smile:
jehan60188 said:
… where charges go on a conductor.
are they always on the surface(s)?
are they distributed evenly throughout?

from the pf library …
In equilibrium, the charge inside a conductor is zero, and the density of charge at the surface is greater where the radius of curvature is less (and in the direction of increasing surface component of any applied field).​
 

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