The Net Electrostatic Field in the Interior of a Conductor is Zero

Explanation:

When an electric field is applied to a conductor, the free electrons present in the conductor move towards the surface of the conductor until the net electrostatic field inside the conductor becomes zero. This phenomenon is called the electrostatic shielding effect.

The net electrostatic field inside a conductor is zero because of two reasons:

1. Electrostatic Shielding Effect: When an electric field is applied to a conductor, the free electrons present in the conductor move towards the surface of the conductor until the net electrostatic field inside the conductor becomes zero. As a result, the electric field inside the conductor is neutralized by the charges accumulated on the surface of the conductor. This phenomenon is called electrostatic shielding effect.

2. Electrostatic Equilibrium: When the charges on the conductor are static, the conductor is said to be in electrostatic equilibrium. In this state, the net electrostatic field inside the conductor is zero. This is because if there were any net electrostatic field inside the conductor, the free charges present in the conductor would move until the net electrostatic field becomes zero.

Conclusion:

Thus, the net electrostatic field inside a conductor is always zero. This is because of the electrostatic shielding effect and the electrostatic equilibrium. However, the electric field outside the conductor can still exist, which is responsible for the interaction between the conductor and its surroundings.