Electric fields near conductors behave differently compared to those in open space. When an electric field encounters a conductor, it induces the movement of charges within the conductor. This phenomenon is known as electrostatic induction. The charges on a conductor redistribute themselves so that the electric field inside the conductor is zero. This redistribution of charges leads to certain effects and characteristics.

One important characteristic is that electric field lines are always perpendicular to the surface of a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium. This means that charges on a conductor exist only on its outer surface. For example, consider a hollow conducting sphere. Charges will distribute themselves uniformly on the outer surface of the sphere, and the electric field inside the sphere will be zero.

Another notable concept is the existence of equipotential surfaces. In an electrostatically balanced conductor, the entire surface is at the same electric potential. This means that any two points on the surface of the conductor can be connected by a path along which no work is done against or by the electric field. In simpler terms, no energy is required to move a charge within a conductor.

To illustrate this behavior, consider a hollow metallic conductor. If a positive charge is introduced near the conductor, the positive charge will induce a redistribution of charges within the conductor. The induced negative charges will repel the positive charge and distribute themselves uniformly on the outer surface of the conductor. This redistribution creates an electric field inside the conductor that is equal and opposite to the external electric field, resulting in a balanced distribution of charges and a net electric field of zero within the conductor.

Understanding the behavior of electric fields near conductors is crucial in many fields such as electronics and electrostatics. The use of conductors and the concept of equipotential surfaces are fundamental in designing electrical devices and ensuring their safe operation. By analyzing the behavior of electric fields near conductors, engineers can predict and minimize interference and unwanted effects caused by electric fields.