How can a conductor of uniform charge density exist

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of a conductor with uniform charge density and the implications of Gauss's law regarding electric fields inside conductors. Participants explore the relationship between charge distribution, electric fields, and the nature of conductors versus solids with uniform charge density.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that by Gauss's law, the electric field inside a conductor is zero, leading to questions about how a uniform charge density can exist within it.
  • Others argue that a solid with uniform charge density would necessarily have a nonzero electric field inside it, which contradicts the properties of conductors.
  • A participant emphasizes that a conductor cannot be a solid of uniform charge density, suggesting that such a solid would not behave like a conductor.
  • One participant mentions that the presence of free electrons in a conductor would neutralize any internal electric fields, reinforcing the idea that no electric field exists inside a conductor in electrostatic conditions.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the distinction between conductors and solids with uniform charge density, with some participants questioning the nature of materials that could exhibit uniform charge density.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the compatibility of conductors with uniform charge density. While some maintain that conductors cannot have uniform charge density, others explore the implications of such a scenario, leading to unresolved questions about the nature of materials with uniform charge density.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the definitions of conductors and solids with uniform charge density, as well as the implications of Gauss's law in different contexts. There are unresolved assumptions regarding the behavior of electric fields in these materials.

sumit_rai
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Please tell me if by gauss law total electric field inide a solid conductor is zero... how can uniform charge density exists...

Will there be any electric field inside a charged conductor ? or will it be always zero.
 
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can there be an electric field inside a solid of uniform charge density

By Gauss law electric field inside a conductor is zero ... then how can there be an electric field inside a solid of uniform charge density. Please tell me .
 
sumit_rai said:
By Gauss law electric field inside a conductor is zero ... then how can there be an electric field inside a solid of uniform charge density. Please tell me .

Gauss' law tell you that there is no charge inside a conductor because
[tex] E=0\to\nabla \cdot E=0\to\rho=0[/tex]

A solid of *uniform* charge density necessarily has a nonzero electric field inside it (and outside it) by gauss' law as well. If the solid is spherically symmetric then you can easily figure out what the field must be using the integral form of Gauss' law.

A conductor is not a solid of uniform charge density.
 
double posting, eh? That's not nice.

the electric field is zero inside a conductor, though not "by gauss' law". It is by gauss' law that you know there is no charge in the meat of a conductor... oh, I'm repeating myself, this is answered on your *other* thread.
 
Thanks for a reply , another doubt that i have

olgranpappy said:
Gauss' law tell you that there is no charge inside a conductor because
[tex] E=0\to\nabla \cdot E=0\to\rho=0[/tex]

A solid of *uniform* charge density necessarily has a nonzero electric field inside it (and outside it) by gauss' law as well. If the solid is spherically symmetric then you can easily figure out what the field must be using the integral form of Gauss' law.

A conductor is not a solid of uniform charge density.

If a conductor cannot be a solid of uniform charge density... then what type of material is a solid of uniform charge density ... is it a mixture of conductor and non conductor... does it even exist ?
 
olgranpappy said:
double posting, eh? That's not nice.

the electric field is zero inside a conductor, though not "by gauss' law". It is by gauss' law that you know there is no charge in the meat of a conductor... oh, I'm repeating myself, this is answered on your *other* thread.

Thanks, for answering... sorry for double posting. I still have a doubt. its posted at the other post.
 
The approximation of continuous media is just that--an approximation.

A solid of uniform charge density is not a conductor.
 
It can be felt very easily if u take this picture in your mind.
Since it is a conductor,so has number of free electrons.Hence any charge that is inside the conductor or any field if exists will be instantly taken care of by these particles.Hence there can't be any field or any charge inside conductor as in ELECTROSTATICS.
 

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