College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 15 - Electric Charge, Forces, and Fields - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Multiple Choice Questions - Page 554: 18

Answer

(b) is perpendicular to the surface

Work Step by Step

Direction of electric field is always perpendicular to the surface of conductor. If the electric field lines were not normal, then there would be some tangential component, which would accelerate the charges in the conductor and rearrange the charge distribution. For there to a uniform distribution, this tangential component has to be zero.
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