College Physics III – Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism
Definition
A conductor is a material that allows the free flow of electric charge, typically electrons. Metals like copper and aluminum are common examples of conductors.
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Conductors have free electrons that can move easily within the material.
The electric field inside a perfect conductor is zero in electrostatic equilibrium.
When a conductor is placed in an external electric field, charges redistribute on its surface to cancel the field inside.
Conductors can be charged by induction without direct contact with another charged object.
Surface charge density on a conductor is highest at points with the smallest radius of curvature (sharp points).
Review Questions
What happens to the electric field inside a conductor when it reaches electrostatic equilibrium?
How does charging by induction work with conductors?
Why do conductors have high surface charge density at sharp points?
Related terms
Insulator: A material that does not allow free movement of electric charge; it resists the flow of electrons.
Electrostatic Equilibrium: The state where all excess charges are at rest and the electric field within a conductor is zero.
Charging by Induction: The process of rearranging the distribution of charges in an object, without direct contact, due to the influence of nearby charged objects.