Confusion regarding insulator and conductors

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that terms like 'metallic' and 'metal' in textbooks unequivocally indicate that the material in question is a conductor. The problem referenced involves the electric field between two concentric hollow spheres, demonstrating that the properties of conductors apply, specifically that the electric field is zero within the conductor. This reinforces the understanding that metals are inherently electrically conductive materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including electric fields.
  • Familiarity with the properties of conductors and insulators.
  • Knowledge of concentric hollow spheres in electrostatics.
  • Basic terminology related to materials science, particularly metals.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of conductors and insulators in detail.
  • Study electrostatics, focusing on electric fields in different geometries.
  • Learn about the implications of surface charge on electric fields.
  • Explore the classification of materials based on electrical conductivity.
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Students in physics, educators teaching electrical concepts, and anyone interested in materials science and electrical engineering.

chaos333
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In textbooks, are words such as 'metallic', 'metal', etc indicating to the person doing the problem that the material in question is a conductor? This one problem said 'metallic' and the answers were as if it were a conductor with the electric field between 2 concentric hollow spheres being 0 and the outside of the entire thing just being dependent on the surface charge of the outer hollow sphere-- properties of a conductor.
 
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chaos333 said:
In textbooks, are words such as 'metallic', 'metal', etc indicating to the person doing the problem that the material in question is a conductor?
Yes. Metals are electrically conductive materials.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal
 
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