The discussion revolves around the distribution of charge on a metal sphere and the implications for the electric field within the sphere. Participants are exploring concepts related to electrostatics and conductors.
There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between charge distribution and the electric field, with some participants suggesting that charges reside on the outer surface of the sphere. Guidance has been offered regarding the implications of charge distribution on the electric field within the conductor.
Participants are considering the properties of conductors and the behavior of electric fields in relation to charge distribution, with some uncertainty about the specifics of charge placement.
What is the value of the electric field inside a [charged] conductor?chukie said:
Hootenanny said:
Correct. Having charges distributed over the entire volume of the sphere, would mean that there must be some net charge inside the sphere, which would result in a non-zero electric field. So, where must the charges be distributed?chukie said:
Hootenanny said:
Correctchukie said:
. If the charges are uniformally distributed on the outer surface of the sphere, then this results in the electric field inside the sphere being zero.