Chapter 2. ElectrostaticsMetallic Conductors

• Metallic conductors have one or more free electrons per atom.

• Electrostatic properties of metallic conductors:

  • The electric field inside a conductor is zero.
  • The charge density inside a conductor is zero.
  • Any net charge of a conductor resides on the surface.
  • The electrostatic potential V is constant throughout the conductor.
  • The electric field is perpendicular to the surface, just outside the conductor.

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