A large, electrically neutral metal plate is mounted on an insulating support in deep…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
A large, electrically neutral metal plate is mounted on an insulating support in deep space, far from other objects. A distant set of charges is arranged so that a uniform external electric field of magnitude E0 points horizontally from left to right across the plate. After electrostatic equilibrium is reached, the external charges are suddenly removed, eliminating the external field. One second later, the plate is briefly connected to a remote ground with a long thin conducting cable; the cable is then disconnected.
(a) Describe qualitatively the distribution of electric charge on the surfaces of the plate while the uniform external electric field E0 is present.
(b) Explain what happens to the charge distribution immediately after the external field is turned off but before the grounding cable is attached.
(c) After the plate has been connected to ground and the cable removed, state the net charge on the plate and describe where any excess charge resides. Justify your answer using conservation of charge.
(d) Predict how, if at all, the presence of the plate will affect the electric field in the surrounding space after the grounding cable has been removed. Provide a reasoned explanation based on your previous answers.