How Are Electrons Distributed on a Charged Conductive Sphere?

Click For Summary
In a charged conductive sphere, all charge resides on the surface, resulting in a zero electric field inside the conductor. For a sphere with a charge of Q = -4e, the four electrons are distributed evenly across the surface. This symmetrical distribution is necessary to maintain the zero electric field throughout the interior. The claim that the electric field inside a conductor is zero hinges on a continuous surface charge distribution. Therefore, while the charge is on the surface, achieving an exact zero electric field with discrete charges like -4e is conceptually challenging.
ironduh
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I have read that in a charged conductor, all the charge is located at the surface of the conductor and the Electric Field inside the conductor is zero.
Suppose we have a conductive sphere with charge Q = -4e.
Where exactly in the sphere are these 4 electrons? I know that they are "on the surface", but how exactly does this distribution that makes an Electric Field zero in ALL points of the sphere looks like?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ultimately, the claim that the electric field inside a conductor is zero requires the charge distribution on the surface to be continuous, or at least nearly so. In the case of Q=-4e, there's no way to make the electric field exactly zero inside the conductor.
 
The electrons would spread out symmetrically and maximally.
 
Yes iw ould say they would spred symmetrically
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K