Question Detail

PHY 102 Electrostatics: Electric Charge and Coulomb's Law Objective Question
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Question

The electric field at the surface of a conductor must be directed in what way?
Options
A Tangent to the surface.
B Perpendicular to the surface.
Correct Answer
C At a 45-degree angle to the surface.
D Toward the center of the conductor.
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

If there were a tangential component to the field at the surface, charges would move along the surface. Therefore, the field must be entirely perpendicular.

Hint

No component can exist along the surface.

Question Info

Course: PHY 102
Topic: Electrostatics: Electric Charge and Coulomb's Law
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 138 of 1819
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