Electric Field induces Surface Charge in Conductor

Physical Law
Let $B$ be a body made out of an electrically conducting substance.

Let $B$ be in the shape of a slab with two parallel surfaces $P_1$ and $P_2$.

Let $B$ be placed in an electric field $\mathbf E$ acting perpendicular to $P_1$ and $P_2$.

Then $B$ will develop a surface charge on both $P_1$ and $P_2$ of a polarity such as to oppose the electric field being applied.


 * Charge-on-Conductor.png

Also see

 * Definition:Induced Charge: the name for the surface charge which develops.