The Electric Field Inside an induced Conductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the behavior of electric fields within an induced conductor when exposed to a positive charge Q. It is established that the positive charge attracts electrons to the surface of the conductor nearest to it, resulting in a net positive charge on the opposite surface. The induced charges on the outer surface of the conductor effectively cancel the electric field from charge Q inside the conductor and any cavity present, leading to a net electric field of zero within these regions. This phenomenon is explained through the fundamental laws of electric charges and the concept of shielding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces
  • Familiarity with the concept of induced charges
  • Knowledge of electrostatics and charge distribution
  • Basic grasp of the principles of shielding in conductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the fundamentals of electrostatics using "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David J. Griffiths
  • Explore the concept of electric field shielding in conductors through online resources like Khan Academy
  • Learn about the behavior of induced charges in conductors with simulations on PhET Interactive Simulations
  • Investigate the mathematical formulation of electric fields in conductors using "Electromagnetism" by Edward M. Purcell
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electric fields and charge interactions in conductors.

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I don't quite grasp this statement :

Open attachment to view the image of what's going on

The field from a positive charge Q pulls electrons to the surface of the metal nearest Q, leaving a net positive charge on the surface farthest from Q. The fields of these induced charges resting on the outer surface of the metal precisely cancel the field from Q inside
the metal and inside the cavity.


Can someone help me better understand this concept using fundamental laws of Electric charges or maybe suggest some web links for further reading .
 

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If E were nonzero then the electrons would move in such a way to make it zero, because they are free to move. For example at the start of the experiment the electrons are attracted to the +Q charge, but as soon as one electron moves to the right side, the attraction felt by the other electrons decreases by the shielding. The electrons will continue to move until this shielding balances the +Q field, at which point the net field will be completely zero.
 

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