Induced charges and their distribution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of induced charge distribution on a spherical shell when a negative charge is placed inside it, specifically addressing the uniformity of charge distribution on the outer surface compared to the non-uniform distribution on the inner surface.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Arvind, questions why the induced charge distribution on the outer surface of a spherical shell is uniform when a negative charge is placed inside the shell at an eccentric position, while the inner surface distribution is non-uniform.
  • Another participant explains that the outer charge is not "induced" but rather a result of the inner charge attracting positive charges to the inner surface, leading to a uniform distribution on the outer surface due to the repulsion of remaining negative charges.
  • A different participant asks for clarification on why outside charges are screened off, seeking a detailed explanation.
  • One reply suggests that the interior charge is surrounded by an equal amount of opposite charge, resulting in a net zero charge, which leads to zero force and thus screening of the interior charge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the charges involved and the mechanisms of screening, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the nature of induced charges and the conditions under which the shell operates (e.g., whether it is grounded or neutral initially) that are not fully explored in the discussion.

arvindsharma
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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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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.
 
why outside charges are screened off?can anyone explain this in detail?i will be thankful.
 
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.
 

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