The Electric Field Inside an induced Conductor

In summary, a positive charge Q placed near a metal surface will induce a net positive charge on the farthest surface, while the induced charges on the outer surface of the metal will precisely cancel the field from Q inside the metal and inside the cavity. This is due to the free movement of electrons, which will continue until the net field is completely zero. Further understanding of this concept can be achieved by studying fundamental laws of Electric charges or through suggested web links for further reading.
  • #1
hms.tech
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I don't quite grasp this statement :

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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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  • #2
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.
 

Related to The Electric Field Inside an induced Conductor

1. What is an induced electric field?

An induced electric field is a type of electric field that is created inside a conductor when it is placed in a changing magnetic field. This changing magnetic field induces an electric field in the conductor, which causes free electrons to move and creates an electric current.

2. How is the electric field inside an induced conductor calculated?

The electric field inside an induced conductor can be calculated using Faraday's law of induction, which states that the magnitude of the induced electric field is equal to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through the conductor. This can be represented by the equation E = -dΦ/dt, where E is the induced electric field, Φ is the magnetic flux, and t is time.

3. What factors affect the strength of the electric field inside an induced conductor?

The strength of the electric field inside an induced conductor is affected by the rate of change of the magnetic field, the size and shape of the conductor, and the material properties of the conductor (such as conductivity and permittivity). Additionally, the orientation of the conductor with respect to the magnetic field can also affect the strength of the induced electric field.

4. How does the direction of the induced electric field relate to the direction of the changing magnetic field?

The direction of the induced electric field is always perpendicular to the direction of the changing magnetic field. This is known as Lenz's law, which states that the induced electric field will always act in a direction that opposes the change in the magnetic field that caused it.

5. Can the electric field inside an induced conductor be shielded or blocked?

Yes, it is possible to shield or block the electric field inside an induced conductor. This can be achieved by surrounding the conductor with a material that has high conductivity and can effectively redirect the induced electric field. This is commonly seen in devices such as Faraday cages, which are used to block external electric fields from interfering with sensitive equipment.

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