Electric Field Near Flat Metal Plate: Factors & Components

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding the electric field components near a flat metal plate. It emphasizes that the electric field is always orthogonal to the surface, indicating that there is no parallel component. The absence of a parallel component implies no current flow in that direction. Factors affecting the electric field include the plate's smoothness and the nature of the charge distribution. Overall, the key takeaway is that the electric field near a flat metal plate consists solely of a normal component.
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Homework Statement



Explain the factors that determine the parallel and normal components of the elctric field near to the surface of a flat metal plate


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



No idea what this question wants..? Is it something to do with the smoothness of the plate?
 
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static electric field is always orthogonal to the surface (any surface e.g. a sphere), no parallel component.
simple explanation: if there was a parallel component, there would have been current in that direction. but there is no current, thus no parallel component.
 

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