How does the electrical field become bent instead of following a straight line?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of electric fields, specifically why they appear bent rather than following a straight line, and the boundary conditions at the interface between a conductor and free space. The scope includes conceptual understanding and technical clarification of electromagnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why electric fields bend instead of traveling in straight lines to a designated point.
  • Another participant inquires about the boundary conditions for electric fields at the interface between a conductor and free space.
  • Two participants express confusion regarding the boundary conditions, indicating a lack of understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple questions and expressions of confusion without clear resolutions or agreements on the concepts discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific boundary conditions and the implications of the bending of electric fields, which may depend on definitions and assumptions not fully articulated in the discussion.

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TL;DR
Bent Electrical Field How?
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bent.jpg


Why is electrical field bent like that rather than following a straight line across to the relevant point over there?
 

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What are the boundary conditions for the electric field at the interface between a conductor and free space?
 
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Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
DrClaude said:
What are the boundary conditions for the electric field at the interface between a conductor and free space?
I don't understand.
 

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