Why cant there be an electric field in a conductor?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electric fields within conductors, particularly focusing on the conditions under which an electric field can exist in a conductor and the implications of charge mobility and equilibrium.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of electric fields in conductors at equilibrium, with some noting that the electric field is zero under these conditions due to charge movement. Others question the scenarios where an electric field might exist in a conductor, particularly when external forces are applied.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the conditions for electric fields in conductors and questioning the assumptions related to equilibrium. Some have suggested that external influences can lead to non-zero electric fields, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the distinction between conductors at equilibrium and those subjected to external forces, with references to concepts such as Ohm's law and the implications of charge mobility.

indigojoker
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why can't there be an electric field in a conductor?
 
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Because Maxwell said so!
Short answer is that the fields from each side of a point inside the conductor cancel out - long answer involves a bit of maths.
 
I guess you are talking about a conductor at equilibrium. In this case the electric field in the conductor is 0 because otherwise the charge (which is mobile in a conductor) would be moving and there wouldn't be equilibrium any more.
 
I guess you are talking about a conductor at equilibrium.

what other cases are there and why would there be an electric field in the conductor?
 
indigojoker said:
what other cases are there and why would there be an electric field in the conductor?

If there is a net force acting on the charge carriers, the conductor isn't at equilibrium any more. This force could come from a voltage/current source or from a change in the magnetic flux in that circuit.
In this case the electric field in that conductor isn't 0 any more. It is given by Ohm's[/PLAIN] law
 
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