The case of a uniform electric field, infinite in extent, abruptly applied to the plane face of a semi‐infinite conductor is considered. The amplitude of the field as a function of distance into the conductor and of time is then determined for different conductivities. The time element and distance for ignoring the displacement current term in Maxwell's equations is determined. Finally the time and space nature of the applied electric field at distances far removed from the semi‐infinite conductor is considered.