Metal Charge Transfer: Why Thin Sheets Form

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of charge transfer onto metal surfaces, specifically addressing why this charge tends to form in thin sheets close to the surface. The scope includes theoretical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the repulsion between electrons leads to a charge distribution that minimizes potential energy, resulting in a uniform spread over the surface.
  • Another participant notes that while the charge distribution tends to be uniform, it is not always the case, as the surface charge can vary to ensure that the electric field inside the metal remains zero.
  • A later reply indicates a focus on the concept of thin sheets in the context of charge distribution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the uniformity of charge distribution and its implications, indicating that multiple perspectives on the topic remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve assumptions regarding the nature of charge distribution or the specific conditions under which the electric field is zero inside the metal.

jinyong
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Why is it that when there's transfer of charge onto the metal it always forms on as close to the surface as possible and in a thin sheet?
 
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Because the electrons repel each other and the charge distribution acquires minimum potential energy by spreading uniformly over the surface..
 
Mr.4 said:
Because the electrons repel each other and the charge distribution acquires minimum potential energy by spreading uniformly over the surface..
The surface charge is usually not uniform. It is distributed so that the E
field is zero inside the metal.
 
I was talking about the thin sheet there.
 

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