Parallel and normal components of electric field near a metal plate

[bon]

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?

 

[bon]

anyone>?

 

[gomunkul51]

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.