I probably was being an idiot on this question

  • Thread starter Thread starter flyingpig
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that the electric potential inside a conductor is uniform and equal to that on its surface due to the absence of an electric field, which is zero as free electrons redistribute themselves. In contrast, insulators do not have free electrons, allowing for a non-constant electric potential and a non-zero electric field. The conversation also highlights that in semiconductors, the electric field is reduced but not eliminated. For further understanding, the concept of dielectric strength is recommended for study.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and electric fields
  • Knowledge of conductors and insulators
  • Familiarity with semiconductor physics
  • Basic concepts of dielectric materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of dielectric strength in materials
  • Explore the behavior of electric fields in semiconductors
  • Investigate the differences between conductors, insulators, and semiconductors
  • Learn about the implications of electric potential in various materials
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the properties of materials regarding electric potential and fields.

flyingpig
Messages
2,574
Reaction score
1

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...?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Electric field external to Conducting Hollow Sphere with charge inside
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Electric potential due to shell containing a charge at an offset outside
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Why are the electrostatic field lines normal to a charged conductor?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Work done to insert a point charge 𝑞 at the center of a conducting sphere
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Induced charge on a conducting sphere sliced by a plane
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Equipotential surface (test questions)
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Compare the conductance of an insoluble salt with soluble one
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
995
Making sense of sequence of ideas in MIT OCW's 8.02 notes on Faraday
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Thought I Understood Gauss' Law (Sheets)
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K