Where are Electrons on a Charged Metal Sphere?

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In summary, when a metal sphere is given a negative charge, the electrons on the sphere will be evenly distributed over the outside of the sphere. This is because the particle is now negatively charged and the electric field inside a charged conductor must be zero, resulting in all the net charge lying on the surface.
  • #1
daniel69
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Suppose you give a metal sphere a negative charge. The electrons on the sphere will be...

A. located right in the middle of the shere
B. distributed in small bunches over the outside of the shere
C. evenly distributed over the outside of the shere
D. none of these
 
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  • #2
Where do you think they will be?
 
  • #3
C. evenly distributed
 
  • #4
daniel69 said:
C. evenly distributed
Why?
 
  • #5
because the particle is now negatively charged so as a whole it should be charged negatively which i think would be done by an evenly distribution of electrons
 
  • #6
daniel69 said:
because the particle is now negatively charged so as a whole it should be charged negatively which i think would be done by an evenly distribution of electrons
More specifically, the electric field inside a charged conductor must be zero and therefore all the net charge must lie on the surface.

Your answer is correct, I just wanted to make sure that you understood why.
 
  • #7
thanks you
 

1. Where do electrons reside on a charged metal sphere?

Electrons on a charged metal sphere are constantly moving and do not have a fixed location. They are spread evenly throughout the surface of the sphere.

2. Do electrons on a charged metal sphere only reside on the outer surface?

Yes, electrons on a charged metal sphere are repelled by the same charge and therefore reside on the outer surface of the sphere. This is known as the Faraday cage effect.

3. How do the number of electrons on a charged metal sphere affect its charge?

The number of electrons on a charged metal sphere directly affects its charge. The more electrons present, the higher the negative charge of the sphere will be.

4. Can electrons on a charged metal sphere be removed or added?

Yes, electrons can be removed or added to a charged metal sphere through various methods such as rubbing or induction. This can change the overall charge of the sphere.

5. How does the shape of a metal sphere affect the distribution of electrons on its surface?

The shape of a metal sphere does not affect the distribution of electrons on its surface. As long as the surface is smooth and conductive, the electrons will be evenly distributed.

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