Non uniform charge distribution on conductor surface

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A non-uniform charge distribution can indeed exist on a conductor's surface due to external influences, such as the presence of a point particle. This external charge alters the electric potential in the surrounding space, necessitating a rearrangement of charge on the conductor's surface to maintain its equipotential nature. Any external charge distribution will similarly induce a non-uniform charge distribution on the conductor's surface.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles
  • Knowledge of conductors and their properties
  • Familiarity with electric potential concepts
  • Basic grasp of charge distribution effects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of point charges on electric fields
  • Explore the concept of equipotential surfaces in electrostatics
  • Investigate the behavior of charge distributions in different geometries
  • Learn about the method of images in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of electrostatics and charge distribution on conductors.

vinaysaxena93
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hey everyone! I need some help.

Can a non uniform charge distribution exist on a conductor's surface due to some external influence? Please explain bearing in mind that a conductor's surface is equipotential.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sure, for example if you have a point particle located somewhere off the conductor's surface. The presence of the point particle changes the potential everywhere in space, and so the charge on the conductor's surface has to rearrange itself to keep the surface at the same potential.

In fact, generally speaking, any sort of external charge distribution will cause a nonuniform charge distribution on the conductor's surface, for basically the same reason.
 
Thanks diazona, I got the concept. :smile:
 

Similar threads

High School Uniform charge distribution in a conductor
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Charging a small metal ball from a charged hollow sphere
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Help with FLP argument of non-uniformly distributed surface charges
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Infinite scaling limit of an elliptic charged surface
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
505
Graduate Location of electrons (not excess charge) in a conductor [static case]
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Does the Skin Effect cause charge to accumulate on the surface of a conductor?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
4K
Undergrad Gauss' Law - Does it apply even when there are external fields?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad Work done by electric field of an irregularly shaped conductor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Electric field, flux, and conductor questions
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Graduate Why is "method of image current" valid in magnetostatics?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K