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- PHY102 Physics II © Dr.Cem Özdoğan
- 24-12 Potential of a Charged Isolated Conductor
- We know that
- Since for all points E = 0 within a conductor, it follows directly that Vf =Vi for all possible pairs of points i and f in the conductor.
- On nonspherical conductors, a surface charge does not distribute itself uniformly over the surface of the conductor. At sharp points or edges, the surface charge density-and thus the external electric field, -may reach very high values. The air around such sharp points or edges may become ionized, producing the corona discharge that golfers and mountaineers see on the tips of bushes, golf clubs, and rock hammers when thunderstorms threaten. Such corona discharges are often the precursors of lightning strikes. In such circumstances, it is wise to enclose yourself in a cavity inside a conducting shell, where the electric field is guaranteed to be zero. A car (unless it is a convertible or made with a plastic body) is almost ideal.
- Spark Discharge from a Charged Conductor