A hollow charged conductor has a tiny hole cut into its surface. Show that the σ/2ε0 n̂ , where n̂ is the unit vector in the outward normal direction and σ is the surface charge density near the hole.
Let us consider a conductor with a cavity or a hole. Electric field inside the cavity is zero.
Let E is the electric field just outside the conductor, q is the electric charge, σ is the charge density and ε 0 is the permittivity of free space.
Charge q = σ × ds
According to Gauss’s law, flux, ∅ = E. ds = q/ε0
⇒ E. ds = σ × ds / ε0
∴ E= σ/ 2ε0 n̂
Therefore, the electric field just outside the conductor is σ/ 2ε0 n̂. This field is a superposition of field due to the cavity E` and the field due to the rest of the charged conductor E`. These fields are equal and opposite inside the conductor and equal in magnitude and direction outside the conductor.
∴ E`+ E` = E
⇒ E` = E/2 = σ/2ε0 n̂
Hence, the field due to the rest of the conductor is σ/2ε0 n̂.
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Answer carefully:
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