Charge on Conductor: Why Reside on Surface?

Thread starter Himal kharel
Start date Jul 16, 2011
Tags

Charge Conductor

In summary, the concept of charge residing on the surface of a conductor is based on the principle of electrostatic equilibrium, where the electric field inside the material is zero and all excess charges reside on the surface to minimize repulsive forces. This is due to the high mobility of electrons in a conductor. The distribution of charge on the surface is determined by the shape of the conductor and the location of external charges, and when an external charge is brought near a conductor, the excess charges will redistribute to maintain equilibrium. The charge distribution can be changed by applying an external electric field, but will return to equilibrium once the field is removed.

Jul 16, 2011

Himal kharel

why all the charges in conductor reside on surface?

Physics news on Phys.org

Jul 16, 2011

Antiphon

They are trying to move away from one another and that's the best they can do.

Jul 16, 2011

Philip Wood

Gold Member

It's not all the charges. It's any excess charge (compared with its 'normal' neutral state). [I expect you knew this; just making sure.]

1. What is the concept of charge residing on the surface of a conductor?

The concept of charge residing on the surface of a conductor is based on the principle of electrostatic equilibrium. This means that in a conductor, the electric field inside the material is zero, and all excess charges reside on the surface, in order to minimize repulsive forces between them.

2. Why does charge reside on the surface of a conductor?

Charge resides on the surface of a conductor because of the high mobility of electrons in a conductor. When a conductor is charged, the excess charge quickly spreads throughout the surface of the material due to the repulsive forces between electrons.

3. How is the distribution of charge on the surface of a conductor determined?

The distribution of charge on the surface of a conductor is determined by the shape of the conductor and the location of any external charges. The excess charges will distribute themselves in a way that minimizes the electric potential energy of the system.

4. What happens when an external charge is brought near a charged conductor?

When an external charge is brought near a charged conductor, the excess charges on the surface of the conductor will redistribute themselves in order to maintain electrostatic equilibrium. This can result in induced charges on the surface of the conductor, attracting or repelling the external charge.

5. Can the charge distribution on a conductor's surface be changed?

Yes, the charge distribution on a conductor's surface can be changed by applying an external electric field. This will cause the excess charges to move and redistribute themselves on the surface of the conductor. However, once the external field is removed, the excess charges will again redistribute to maintain electrostatic equilibrium.