Conducting and Insulating Conductors: why uniform and 'surface' charge distribution?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the behavior of electric charges in conductors and insulators. In insulators, charges can be uniformly distributed throughout the material, while in conductors, charges reside exclusively on the surface due to the equilibrium condition. This phenomenon occurs because any net charge within a conductor would create an electric field, resulting in current flow, which contradicts the state of equilibrium. Understanding these principles is essential for grasping electrostatics in various applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles
  • Familiarity with conductors and insulators
  • Knowledge of electric fields and charge distribution
  • Basic concepts of electrical equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrostatics in depth
  • Study the behavior of electric fields in conductors and insulators
  • Explore the concept of electrical equilibrium and its implications
  • Investigate real-world applications of charge distribution in materials
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of electrostatics and charge behavior in different materials.

Kuhan
Messages
46
Reaction score
0
Why is it that when you have an insulator, the charges are uniformly distributed but in a conductor, the charges are only at the surface?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Insulators can have their charge everywhere, and in many real setups you will find them on the surface only, too.

Conductors cannot have net charges inside in equilibrium - those charges would induce a field in the conductor, which would lead to a current flow, and that violates the equilibrium condition.
 

Similar threads

High School Uniform charge distribution in a conductor
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Charging a small metal ball from a charged hollow sphere
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Help with FLP argument of non-uniformly distributed surface charges
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Location of electrons (not excess charge) in a conductor [static case]
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Does the Skin Effect cause charge to accumulate on the surface of a conductor?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
3K
Undergrad Work done by electric field of an irregularly shaped conductor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Definition of ground potential in infinite sheet charge distributions
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Electric field, flux, and conductor questions
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad Gauss' Law - Does it apply even when there are external fields?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Confusion regarding insulator and conductors
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K