Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can describe an ideal conductor and explain how positive and negative net charge on a metal arise from electrons. (Guide: “What makes a conductor different”)
- I can explain why E = 0 inside the metal of a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium, and say that equilibrium is reached effectively at once. (Guide: “Four results”; Practice Q1, Q6(a))
- I can use Gauss’s law to show that all excess charge sits on the surface. (Guide: “Four results”; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why a conductor is an equipotential and why that does not mean V = 0. (Guide: “Four results”; Practice Q5(c))
- I can explain why the field just outside a conductor is perpendicular to its surface. (Guide: “Four results”; Practice Q6(c))
Calculation and skills
- I can derive E = σ/ε₀ with a pillbox and say why it differs from σ/(2ε₀) for a thin sheet. (Guide: “The field just outside”; Practice Q4)
- I can find the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of a hollow conductor with a charge in its cavity. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q3, Q5, Q7)
- I can find E in every region of a set of concentric conductors and give its direction. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q5, Q7)
- I can calculate the induced surface charge on a conductor placed in a uniform field. (Guide: Worked example 2)
- I can combine an integrated non-uniform charge density with conductor results. (Practice Q7)
Reasoning
- I can explain why surface charge density and field strength are greatest at sharp points and edges. (Guide: “Where the surface charge gathers”; Practice Q2)
- I can sketch and explain the induced charges and field lines for a neutral conductor in an external field. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q6)
- I can explain electrostatic shielding, including why it does not hide a charge inside an ungrounded shell. (Guide: “Cavities and electrostatic shielding”; Practice Q3; revision notes self-check 4)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 10.2, Redistribution of Charge Between Conductors, or return to the course roadmap.