Conductors in Electrostatic Equilibrium - Review for AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

The video reviews conductors in electrostatic equilibrium for AP Physics C. It explains that in electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field inside a conductor is zero, and excess charges reside on the surface. The electric field just outside the surface is perpendicular and related to surface charge density. The video also covers the relationship between surface charge density and curvature, using examples and Gauss's law to illustrate key points.

What does electrostatic equilibrium imply about the movement of charges in a conductor?

• Charges are moving at a constant velocity.

• Charges are stationary.

• Charges are accelerating.

• Charges are oscillating.

Why must the electric field inside a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium be zero?

• To allow charges to move freely.

• To prevent charges from experiencing a force.

• To ensure charges are accelerating.

• To maintain a constant electric potential.

Where are excess charges located in a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium?

• At the center of the conductor.

• Evenly distributed throughout the conductor.

• Inside the conductor.

• On the surface of the conductor.

What is the direction of the electric field just outside the surface of a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium?

• Parallel to the surface.

• Perpendicular to the surface.

• At a 45-degree angle to the surface.

• Randomly oriented.

How is the electric field just outside a conductor related to the surface charge density?

• It is independent of the surface charge density.

• It is directly proportional to the surface charge density.

• It is equal to the surface charge density.

• It is inversely proportional to the surface charge density.

What happens to the surface charge density at points where the radius of curvature is smallest?

• It decreases.

• It is at its minimum.

• It is at its maximum.

• It remains constant.

In a system of two connected conducting spheres, where is the surface charge density higher?

• Equal on both spheres.

• On the smaller sphere.

• Depends on the material of the spheres.

• On the larger sphere.

What is the relationship between electric potential and surface charge distribution in conductors?

• Electric potential is higher where surface charge density is lower.

• Electric potential is uniform across the surface.

• Electric potential varies randomly.

• Electric potential is zero everywhere.

How quickly do charges redistribute when two conductors are brought into contact?

• Instantaneously.

• Over several minutes.

• Over several hours.

• It depends on the size of the conductors.

What is the effect of a conductor's shape on its surface charge density?

• Charge density is uniform regardless of shape.

• Charge density is higher at points with smaller curvature.

• Charge density is higher at points with larger curvature.

• Shape has no effect.