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Which of the following describes the electric field inside this conductor?

1) The electric field inside the conductor is zero
2) The electric field inside the conductor is non-zero
3) The electric field inside the conductor depends on the charge density
4) The electric field inside the conductor depends on the shape of the conductor

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The electric field inside a conductor is zero.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electric field inside a conductor is zero.

When a conductor is in electrostatic equilibrium, the excess charge is distributed uniformly on the surface of the conductor. This distribution of charge creates an electric field that is perpendicular to the surface of the conductor at all points just outside the conductor. Inside the conductor, however, the excess charge cancels out the electric field created by any external charges, resulting in a net electric field of zero.

Therefore, option 1) The electric field inside the conductor is zero is the correct description.

User Fabrizio Fortino
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