The value of electric potential throughout the volume of a conductor i...
Since the electric field inside the conductor is zero and has no tangential component on its surface, therefore, no work is done in moving a test charge within the conductor or on its surface. It means the potential difference between any two points inside or on the surface is zero. Hence, electrostatic potential is constant throughout the volume of the charged conductor and has the same value on its surface as inside it.
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The value of electric potential throughout the volume of a conductor i...
Electric Potential in a Conductor
Electric potential throughout the volume of a conductor is constant. This is due to the following reasons:
Conductor and Electric Potential
- In a conductor, the free electrons are free to move within the material.
- When an electric field is applied to a conductor, the free electrons move in response to the field.
- As the electrons move, they redistribute themselves in such a way that the electric field inside the conductor becomes zero.
- This redistribution of charges leads to a constant electric potential throughout the volume of the conductor.
Equilibrium State
- Once the free electrons have rearranged themselves to cancel out the electric field inside the conductor, the system reaches an equilibrium state.
- In this equilibrium state, the electric potential is constant throughout the volume of the conductor.
No Work Done
- In a conductor, no work is done to move a charge from one point to another within the material.
- This is because the electric potential is constant, and no change in potential energy occurs as the charge moves within the conductor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the electric potential throughout the volume of a conductor is constant. This is due to the redistribution of charges in response to an applied electric field, leading to an equilibrium state where the electric potential remains the same throughout the material.