Why does charge on a pointy conductor not uniformly spread?

In summary, when charge is placed on a spherical conductor, it will distribute uniformly. However, if charge is placed on a conical conductor, it will not spread uniformly due to the concentration of surface area near the cone's tip. This is because in a conductor, the motion of electrons is fluid, causing charge to distribute evenly on the surface.
  • #1
friendbobbiny
49
2

Homework Statement


If charged is place on a spherical conductor, it distributes uniformly. If charged is placed on a conical conductor, it does not spread uniformly.

Homework Equations


Remember that, in a conductor, the motion of electrons is fluid.

The Attempt at a Solution


Taking the given example, a cone, if we placed charge on it, charge would spread. It would spread in the sense that every square centimeter would have a constant charge. Because surface area clumps near the cone's tip, however, charge would be more concentrated there.

I get the impression that this attempt is bogus. I don't see why a surface's surface area is greater at a vertex than on a flat plane.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Why do they distribute at all?
 

Related to Why does charge on a pointy conductor not uniformly spread?

1. Why does charge on a pointy conductor not uniformly spread?

Charge on a pointy conductor does not uniformly spread because the electric field lines, which are responsible for the distribution of charge, tend to concentrate at the pointed ends. This is due to the curvature of the surface, which causes the electric field to be stronger at the pointed areas.

2. How does the shape of a conductor affect the distribution of charge?

The shape of a conductor plays a crucial role in the distribution of charge. Pointy conductors have a higher curvature, which causes a higher concentration of charge at the pointed ends. On the other hand, flat conductors have a lower curvature and therefore, the charge is more evenly distributed.

3. Does the material of the conductor affect the distribution of charge?

Yes, the material of the conductor can also affect the distribution of charge. Conductors with higher conductivity tend to distribute charge more evenly, while those with lower conductivity can cause charge to accumulate at certain areas, such as the pointed ends.

4. What is the effect of a strong electric field on the distribution of charge?

A strong electric field can cause charge to accumulate at the pointed ends of a conductor. This is because the electric field lines tend to concentrate at areas with higher curvature, and the pointed ends have the highest curvature. This phenomenon is known as "electric field enhancement."

5. Can the distribution of charge on a pointy conductor be changed?

Yes, the distribution of charge on a pointy conductor can be changed by altering the shape or material of the conductor. For example, by making the pointed end less sharp or using a material with higher conductivity, the charge distribution can be made more uniform. Additionally, an external electric field can also be used to manipulate the distribution of charge on a conductor.

Similar threads

Direction of electric field vector on the surface of charged conductor
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
305
Uneven charge distribution on a conductor
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
Point charge in cavity of a spherical neutral conductor
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Thought I Understood Gauss' Law (Sheets)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
683
Charge rearrangement on conducting spheres
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
2K
Surface charge on a conductor due to a charged rod 'q'
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Charge density and charge on a conductor
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
3K
What Is the Potential of an Uncharged Conductor Near a Charged Conductor?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Uniform charge distribution in a conductor
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
1K
Introducing Local Charge to Conductors?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top