How Does Charge Redistribution Work in a Conductor with a Cavity?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the charge redistribution in a conductor with a cavity containing a +100nC point charge and a subsequent transfer of -50nC from a charged rod. The inner wall of the cavity will acquire a charge of -100nC due to the presence of the point charge, while the exterior surface of the conductor will have a net charge of -50nC. This is a direct consequence of the principles of electrostatics and charge conservation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles
  • Familiarity with charge conservation laws
  • Knowledge of conductors and their behavior in electric fields
  • Basic concepts of point charges and their effects on surrounding charges
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electrostatics in detail
  • Learn about charge distribution in conductors with cavities
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their relation to charge distribution
  • Investigate the effects of external charges on conductors
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, educators explaining charge distribution concepts, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of conductor behavior in electric fields.

JimiJams
Messages
53
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An initially neutral conductor contains a hollow cavity in which there is a +100nC point charge. A charged rod transfers -50nC to the conductor. Afterward, what is the charge (a) on the inner wall of the cavity wall, and (b) on the exterior surface of the conductor?

Homework Equations



This is more of a conceptual problem for me than mathematical. The answers just don't make sense to me. I'd appreciate if someone could explain the answer and then I can ask followup questions if it still isn't making sense. Thanks a lot!

The Attempt at a Solution



I really don't know how to approach this...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Let me state, too, that I'm not just being lazy here and just looking for the answer. We don't turn in any homework in our class, it's completely optional. I'm just trying to understand this problem and the best way for me to do it is for someone to explain it (since I have no clue about this one) and then I'll ask questions to make sure it's clear to me.
 
Hi JimiJams! :smile:

Tell us what you think the answers are, and what's worrying you about that, and then we'll comment. :wink:
 

Similar threads

Use of imaginary charge vs Gauss' law
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Gauss' law -- Conductor with a cavity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Electric field external to Conducting Hollow Sphere with charge inside
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
Point charge in cavity of a spherical neutral conductor
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Conducting Sphere With Cavity E-field / Gauss' law
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Electric field sphere calculations with a hollow cavity using Gauss' law
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Charge on a cavity wall and Gauss' law
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Thought I Understood Gauss' Law (Sheets)
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Confusion about induction in conductors
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
What is the charge on the outer surface of the middle conductor?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K