A hollow conducting sphere is placed in an electric field produced by ...
A hollow conducting sphere is placed in an electric field produced by ...
The presence of a point charge creates an electric field in its vicinity. When a hollow conducting sphere is placed in this electric field, several interesting phenomena occur. Let's explore them in detail.
Electric Field Inside the Hollow Conducting Sphere:
- When a conducting sphere is placed in an electric field, the free charges within the conductor redistribute themselves to reach electrostatic equilibrium.
- According to the principle of electrostatics, the electric field inside a conductor in equilibrium is zero.
- This means that the electric field inside the hollow conducting sphere is zero. The charges within the conductor rearrange themselves in such a way that the net electric field inside the sphere cancels out the external electric field produced by the point charge.
Charge Distribution on the Inner Surface:
- The charges within the conducting sphere redistribute themselves on its inner surface.
- Due to the presence of an external electric field, the charges on the inner surface of the sphere experience a force.
- This force causes the charges to redistribute, concentrating on the side of the inner surface closer to the point charge. This results in an excess of charges on that side of the sphere.
Charge Distribution on the Outer Surface:
- The charges on the outer surface of the conducting sphere redistribute themselves as well.
- Since the electric field inside the conductor is zero, the charges on the outer surface arrange themselves in such a way that they neutralize the excess charges on the inner surface.
- This redistribution of charges on the outer surface ensures that the net electric field within the conductor is zero.
Conclusion:
- In summary, when a hollow conducting sphere is placed in an electric field produced by a point charge, the charges within the conductor redistribute themselves to reach electrostatic equilibrium.
- The electric field inside the hollow conducting sphere becomes zero, and the charges arrange themselves on the inner and outer surfaces to neutralize the external electric field.
- This redistribution of charges helps in shielding the interior of the conducting sphere from the external electric field.
By understanding these phenomena, we can appreciate the behavior of a hollow conducting sphere in an electric field and its role in creating a region of zero electric field within itself.
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