How does positive charge spread out in conductors?

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SUMMARY

Excess positive charge in conductors, such as metal spheres, spreads out over the surface due to the movement of electrons, which are negatively charged. Protons remain stationary within the atomic structure, leading to an imbalance where the absence of electrons creates the appearance of positive charge. This phenomenon is fundamental to understanding electrostatics and can be modeled similarly to negative charges, as discussed in various electrical theories. The concept of "holes" in solid-state physics further illustrates the treatment of charge carriers in conductive materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and charge distribution
  • Familiarity with basic atomic structure, particularly protons and electrons
  • Knowledge of solid-state physics concepts, including holes
  • Basic principles of electricity and electrical models
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  • Research the principles of charge distribution in conductors
  • Study the concept of holes in solid-state physics
  • Explore electrostatic models and their applications in various materials
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jperentosh
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I know that when there are excess positive charges in a conductor, for example, a metal sphere, the positive charges will spread out over its surface. However, I am confused about how this excess charge spreads out over the surface, if protons cannot move and only electrons can move.
Can someone please inform me on how the excess positive charge spreads out over the surfaces of conductors?
 
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jperentosh said:
I know that when there are excess positive charges in a conductor, for example, a metal sphere, the positive charges will spread out over its surface. However, I am confused about how this excess charge spreads out over the surface, if protons cannot move and only electrons can move.
Can someone please inform me on how the excess positive charge spreads out over the surfaces of conductors?

How do you "know" this? Could you provide a textbook reference that states this? It is not true...
 
Just imagine the situation. Excess positive charge means there is a lack of electrons. Would you really expect that in that case, say left side of the sphere would stay without electrons, and all electrons on the right side of the sphere would stay there?
 
berkeman said:
How do you "know" this? Could you provide a textbook reference that states this? It is not true...

I think you are being a bit harsh here. It is not necessary to discuss nuts and bolts (electrons) in the context of most matters electrical. You can treat Positive and Negative elecrostatic charges in exactly the same way in many or even most cases. Any decent model of electricity should work just as well in a world of antimatter - even if we have only, so far, produced about 30 Anti-Hydrogen atoms.

Do we not discuss Holes in solid state physics?
 

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