Electric Potential and Electric Fields

Thread starter IKonquer
Start date Mar 27, 2011
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Electric Electric fields Electric potential Fields Potential

AI Thread Summary

In a hollow conducting sphere, the electric field inside is zero due to the redistribution of surface charges, which results in no net electric field within the conductor. Consequently, since the electric field is zero, the electric potential V remains constant throughout the interior of the sphere. The relationship ΔV = -∫E·dℓ indicates that if E is zero, then ΔV must also be zero, confirming the uniform potential. This principle applies to all points inside the conductor, leading to the conclusion that the electric potential is the same everywhere inside the hollow sphere. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the behavior of electric fields and potentials in conductors.

Mar 27, 2011

IKonquer

Lets say you have a hollow sphere, which is a conductor, and you put some charge on it. I understand why the electric field inside the sphere is 0, but I don't see why the electric potential V is constant.

Could someone explain?

Thanks

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Mar 27, 2011

SammyS

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

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\Delta V=-\vec{E}\cdot d\vec{\ell}

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