Question Detail

PHY 102 ELECTROSTATICS Objective Question

Question

At electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field inside a conductor is:
Options
A Non-zero and uniform.
B Zero, because electrons move to negate any internal field.
Correct Answer
C Perpendicular to the surface.
D Parallel to the surface, causing current flow.
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Page 18, under 'The Electric Field out of a Conducting Plane', states: 'There cannot be an electrostatic field inside a conductor if it is already at electrostatic equilibrium. This is because if there were to be such a field, then the electrons inside the conductor will move, negating electrostatic equilibrium.'

Hint

What happens if there's an electric field inside a conductor with free charges?

Question Info