How Are Electrons Distributed on a Charged Conductive Sphere?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the distribution of electrons on a charged conductive sphere, specifically addressing the implications of a negative charge and the resulting electric field characteristics within the conductor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that in a charged conductor, all charge resides on the surface and the electric field inside is zero, questioning how this distribution looks for a sphere with charge Q = -4e.
  • Another participant argues that the claim of a zero electric field inside a conductor necessitates a continuous charge distribution, suggesting that achieving this with Q = -4e may not be feasible.
  • Some participants propose that the electrons would spread out symmetrically and maximally on the surface of the sphere.
  • Another participant concurs that the distribution would be symmetric.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement on the symmetry of the electron distribution, but disagreement exists regarding the feasibility of achieving a zero electric field inside the conductor with the specified charge.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights assumptions about charge distribution and the conditions under which the electric field is considered zero, without resolving these complexities.

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
364
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
992
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K