Question

Why is the electric field normal to the surface a charged conductor?

Answer 1

Electric field is defined as the gradient of potential and the surface of a conductor has a constant potential. Therefore, there is no field along the surface of the conductor and hence the electrostatic field at the surface of a charged conductor should be Normal to the surface at every point.

Answer 2

• Electric field is defined as the gradient of potential and the surface of a conductor has a constant potential. Therefore, there is no field along the surface of the conductor and hence the electrostatic field at the surface of a charged conductor should be Normal to the surface at every point.