I probably was being an idiot on this question

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The electric potential inside a conductor is uniform and matches the surface potential due to the absence of an electric field, which is zero as free electrons redistribute themselves. In contrast, insulators lack free electrons, allowing for non-constant electric potential and a non-zero electric field. This principle also applies to semiconductors, where the electric field is diminished but not completely eliminated. Understanding these concepts can be enhanced by studying dielectric strength. The discussion emphasizes the differences in electric potential behavior between conductors, insulators, and semiconductors.
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Homework Statement


In my book it says that the electric potential inside a conductor is the same as that on the surface.

What about an insulator or a non conducting thing...?
 
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The reason electric potential has to be constant is that the electric field must be 0. Electric field must be 0 because otherwise, the free electrons would accelerate and redistribute themselves to make the field 0. This doesn't apply to an insulator, which has no free electrons, so the potential can be non-constant (and electric field can be non-zero).
 
agree with ideasrule. Want to add a bit more: In case of semiconductors the electric field inside is reduced but not nullified. If you want to learn more you may study dielectric strength.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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