Is all the charge inside a conductor evenly distributed in equilibrium?

In summary, a solid conductor has no net charge inside and all the charges are distributed on the outer surface. When a potential difference is applied, current flows through the conductor, with the charges on the outer surface constituting the current. This is due to the property of the conductor in which there is no net charge inside in static equilibrium. However, there is still a net surface charge that produces the electric field driving the current.
  • #1
Hardik Batra
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As we know there is no charge inside the conductor.(Consider the solid conductor...)

All the charge will distributed on the outer surface of the conductor.
There is no charge inside the conductor

My question is when we applied potential difference across this conductor then current will flow through this conductor. Here current constitute by the charge that will reside on the outer most surface ?
since there is no charge inside the conductor because all the charge will reside on the outer most surface of the conductor.
So that no current is flowing inside the conductor.
This is the property of the conductor.
If I am wrong explain it.
 
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  • #2
Hardik Batra said:
As we know there is no charge inside the conductor.(Consider the solid conductor...)
No, we don't know this. Do yo think that all the electrons and protons of the atoms of the metal migrate to the surface? :)

What we actually know is that there is no NET charge inside a conductor in STATIC equilibrium.
This means the number of positive and negative charges is equal in any "small" volume. So there are many free electrons inside the metal. And an equal number of positive charges that are not so free.

When we have a current some of the free charges (electrons) have a net drift through the metal.
For low frequency current the motion happens pretty much in the whole volume.

There is some net surface charge on the surface too. This produces the electric field that drives the current.
 
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FAQ: Is all the charge inside a conductor evenly distributed in equilibrium?

What is a conductor?

A conductor is a material that allows electric charge to flow through it easily. Examples of conductors include metals like copper and aluminum.

How does charge behave inside a conductor?

Charge inside a conductor is distributed evenly throughout the material. This means that the charge density is the same at every point inside the conductor.

Why does charge distribute evenly inside a conductor?

This is due to the repulsive forces between like charges. When a conductor is placed in an electric field, the charges will rearrange themselves to minimize these repulsive forces, resulting in an even distribution of charge.

Can charge move freely inside a conductor?

Yes, charge can move freely inside a conductor. This is because the electrons in the material are not bound to any particular atom and are able to move around easily.

How does the shape of a conductor affect the distribution of charge inside it?

The shape of a conductor does not affect the distribution of charge inside it as long as the conductor is not charged. However, if the conductor is charged, the charge will accumulate more in areas with a smaller radius of curvature, resulting in a higher charge density in those areas.

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