How Do You Calculate Electric Fields of Spherical Charges Using Gauss's Law?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric field generated by two uniformly charged spherical volumes using Gauss's Law. The spheres are positioned at different locations along the x-axis, and the task is to determine the electric field at specific points along that axis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for electric fields but seeks clarification on its application to the specific problem. Some participants suggest using Gauss's Law and ask for an explanation of its principles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants confirming the understanding of Gauss's Law and discussing the superposition principle for electric fields. Guidance has been offered on how to approach the problem using Gauss's Law for each sphere and combining the results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are exploring the implications of the arrangement of charges and the specific points on the x-axis where the electric field needs to be calculated. There may be assumptions about the uniformity of charge distribution and the applicability of Gauss's Law in this context.

eku_girl83
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Here is the problems that's giving me trouble:
Positive charge Q is distributed uniformly over each of two spherical volumes of radius R. One sphere of charge is centered at the origin and the other at x=2R. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field due to these two distributions of charge at the following points on the x-axis.
a) x=0
b) x=R/2
c) x=3R

Do I use the equation E=1/(4*pi*epsilon) (Q/R^3)??
If so, can someone give me a hint on how to apply it to this problem?
 
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You need to use Gauss' Law. Can you begin by explaining to me what Gauss' Law says?

- Warren
 
Gauss's law states that the total electric flux through a closed surface is eqaul to the total electric charge inside the surface divided by Epsilon_0.
EA=Q/Epsilon_0
E=Q/(Epsilon_0*A) in the case of a sphere A=4*pi*R^2
Correct?
 
Yes, that's correct. You should also know that electric fields can be "superimposed." If you find the field due to one sphere, and the field due to the other, you can just add them together to get the total field.

To find the field at each the given points, use Gauss' law twice: once for each of the spheres of charge. Add the results together.

Can you take it from here, or do you need more guidance?

- Warren
 

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