Question

In the surface-field expression \[\vec{E}=\frac{\sigma}{\varepsilon_0}\hat{n}\], what does \(\hat{n}\) represent?

Options

• The surface charge density.

• The permittivity of free space.

• The outward normal unit vector.

• The electric potential at the surface.

Answer 1

The symbol \(\hat{n}\) is the outward normal unit vector. It indicates the direction perpendicular to and outward from the conductor's surface.