Faraday Cage
Definition
A Faraday cage refers to an enclosure made of conductive material that blocks external electric fields or electromagnetic radiation from entering or leaving. It provides protection against interference and shields sensitive equipment or objects inside.
Analogy
Imagine you are in a car during a thunderstorm. The metal body of your car acts like a Faraday cage, protecting you from lightning strikes. The electrical charge flows around the outside surface of the car, keeping you safe inside.
Related terms
Electromagnetic Radiation: Electromagnetic radiation refers to energy waves that travel through space carrying both electric and magnetic fields. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Conductivity: Conductivity is a measure of how well a material allows electric charges to flow through it. Materials with high conductivity (e.g., metals) are good conductors, while materials with low conductivity (e.g., rubber) are insulators.
Gauss's Law: Gauss's Law relates electric fields to enclosed charges by stating that the total electric flux passing through any closed surface is equal to the net charge enclosed divided by ε₀ (epsilon naught), which represents vacuum permittivity.
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