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UWGGEOL
Sep6-08, 02:50 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Two nonconducting spheres, of r1=3.0cm and r2=2.0cm, are placed of an x-axis. They have surface charge densities of +6.0mC/m2 and +4.0 mC/m2, respectively, on their outside surfaces. The center of sphere r1 is on the origin and the center of sphere r2 is 10 cm away. What is the net electric field at x=2.0 cm?



2. Relevant equations
E=kq/r2
Area=4pir2

3. The attempt at a solution
I noticed that x=2.0cm falls inside sphere r1 and that the Electric Field inside a sphere due to an outside charge equals 0. I think this is the answer but want to be sure.

astrosona
Sep6-08, 03:55 PM
I do not think so!!!! because they are non conducting spheres..... so we can not ignore the effect of the second sphere, I guess!!! i will look it up more though...

Goddar
Sep6-08, 06:27 PM
The field inside a uniformly charged sphere is zero (the field of THIS sphere vanishes), but the field outside a uniformly charged sphere is the same as if all the charge was at its center (we can treat it like a point-charge on most regards)... You should get your answer easily!

UWGGEOL
Sep6-08, 06:53 PM
Yeah I tried that before you told me and it was pretty easy and good to know the way i thought was right. I got -3.10x10^3 N/C because of the direction of the field