Question

Why is it that the electric field inside a conductor is always zero?

Answer 1

do u have an ide abt gauss law?

Answer 2

It is zero at electrostatic equilibrium because an electric field inside a conductor would cause the charges or electrons (electric field exerts force on charges) within the conductor to arrange themselves in a way that would destroy the electric field.

Answer 3

I understand that. What we know now is, 'what' happens to cause the electric field inside a conductor to become zero. What I am wondering is, WHY does that happen? Why is the electric field being cancelled out? Why do the charges arrange themselves in that particular way?

Answer 4

The charges inside the conductor generate an electric field themselves. Remember that any charge in space generates an electric field. Each charge in the conductor is affected by the electric fields of all the other charges. This creates a force on all of the charge. Let's say all the charges are positive - all of the charges repel each other, so they distribute themselves in a way that makes them furthest apart from each other - evenly on the surface of the cell. This all happens very quickly. Once movement of charge is done, the electric field inside the conductor is zero, since a remaining field would cause further movement of the charges.

Answer 5

that sounds convincing. thanks a lot! this also explains why the charges on a charged conductor are always on its surface, and not in its interior.