Induced charges and their distribution

In summary, when a negative charge is placed inside a spherical shell, the induced charge distribution on the inner surface of the shell is not uniform due to the eccentric position of the charge. However, the induced charge distribution on the outer surface is uniform. This is because the negative charge inside the shell attracts positive charges to the inner surface, completely negating the electric field inside. This leaves behind negative charges on the outer surface, which end up uniformly distributed due to their repulsion. This process results in the enclosed charge being completely screened, leading to a net zero charge and zero force.
  • #1
arvindsharma
21
0
Dear All,

I have some doubts in induced charges surface distribution.suppose their is a spherical shell and a negative charge is kept inside the shell(not at the center of shell) then induced charge distribution at inner surface of cavity is not uniform due to eccentric position of charge but the induced charge distribution at the outer surface of shell is uniform.can anyone explain me why induced charge distribution at outer surface is uniform?i have attached a file also to see the diagram.please go through it?

Thanks

Arvind
 

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  • #2
The outside charge, in your example, is not "induced" charge.
The negative point charge inside the shell has attracted positive free charges to the inner surface so that the electric field due to the inner charge is completely negated. The enclosed charge is completely screened and can have no effect on the world outside the inner surface of the shell.

If the conducting shell is not grounded, and it started out as neutral, then repositioning some positive charges on the inner surface has left negative free charges behind. Since the enclosed charge is totally screened off, these left-over charges feel only each other - they repel each other but must remain on the sphere. Thus they end up uniformly distributed across the outer surface.
 
  • #3
why outside charges are screened off?can anyone explain this in detail?i will be thankful.
 
  • #4
The inside charges get screened because they are surrounded by an equal amount of (induced) opposite charge ... the interior charge and the induced charge make a net zero charge. Zero charge = zero force.
 
  • #5


Dear Arvind,

Thank you for your question about induced charges and their distribution. The distribution of induced charges on a surface depends on the electric field created by the charge inside the spherical shell. When a negative charge is placed inside the shell, it creates an electric field that points towards the center of the shell. This electric field causes the positive charges in the shell to be attracted towards the inner surface, while the negative charges are repelled towards the outer surface. This results in a non-uniform distribution of induced charges on the inner surface of the shell, as shown in the attached diagram.

On the other hand, the outer surface of the shell is not affected by the electric field created by the charge inside. This is because the electric field lines originating from the charge inside are perpendicular to the outer surface, and therefore do not induce any charges on it. As a result, the induced charge distribution on the outer surface remains uniform.

I hope this explanation helps to clarify any doubts you may have about induced charges and their distribution. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

 

FAQ: Induced charges and their distribution

1. What are induced charges?

Induced charges are electric charges that are created on a neutral object when it is brought near a charged object. This is due to the redistribution of electrons on the surface of the neutral object.

2. How do induced charges distribute on an object?

The distribution of induced charges on an object depends on the presence and distribution of charges on the charged object. Induced charges will accumulate on the surface of the neutral object closest to the charged object, with the highest concentration of charges being on the surface closest to the charged object.

3. What factors affect the distribution of induced charges?

The factors that affect the distribution of induced charges include the distance between the charged object and the neutral object, the magnitude and distribution of charges on the charged object, and the material properties of the neutral object, such as its conductivity.

4. Can induced charges be used to create a net charge on an object?

Yes, induced charges can be used to create a net charge on an object. By bringing a neutral object near a charged object and then grounding it, the induced charges can be separated from the original object, creating a net charge on the previously neutral object.

5. What is the difference between induced charges and static charges?

The main difference between induced charges and static charges is that induced charges are created by the presence of a charged object, while static charges are created by the transfer of electrons between objects. Induced charges also only exist as long as the charged object is present, while static charges can exist on an object even when there are no other charged objects nearby.

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