Electric field conductor question

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force exerted by one hemisphere of a charged metal sphere on the other hemisphere. The key conclusion is that while the electric field inside a conductor is zero, indicating no net force, the hemispheres exert equal and opposite forces on each other. To determine the actual force, calculus is required, particularly for a hollow sphere scenario, as referenced in a linked post by user hikaru1221.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and electric fields
  • Familiarity with the properties of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium
  • Basic calculus for force calculation
  • Knowledge of spherical symmetry in charge distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric fields in conductors and their implications
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of forces in electrostatics
  • Explore the application of calculus in electrostatic problems
  • Review examples of hollow spheres in electrostatics for practical understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electric fields and forces in conductors.

lianghongjian
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Please help me.

Homework Statement


Consider a metal sphere of radius R that has a total charge of Q. What is the force on one hemisphere by the other?



Homework Equations



F=E/q

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought the Electric field inside a conductor should be 0, therefore the force is also 0?
But it should not be this simple could somebody explain it to me.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
electric field inside the conductor is zero, yes. That means total net force should be zero as well. but the force asked is that by the hemisphere (the part of the same sphere).
Net force is zero because both hemisphere exert equal but opposite force.

You would need calculus to solve the problem(calculate the value of force).
if the sphere is hollow, you can follow this post by hikaru1221

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=2913313&postcount=11
 

Similar threads

Why are the electrostatic field lines normal to a charged conductor?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Electric field external to Conducting Hollow Sphere with charge inside
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Direction of electric field vector on the surface of charged conductor
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Induced charge on a conducting sphere sliced by a plane
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
The electric field inside a hole inside a conductor is still 0?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Concept of electric field and hollow conductors
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Charge conservation for 3 parallel charged plates
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Electric displacement field density equation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Capacitors, equipotentials, and electric fields
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K