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kimchi
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a metal spherical shell with a +q in it but not centered (in the cavity), why the induced +ve on outer surface is uniformly distributed? (the shell is neutral, and the induce -ve and +ve charges not shown.)
kimchi said:a metal spherical shell with a +q in it but not centered (in the cavity), why the induced +ve on outer surface is uniformly distributed? (the shell is neutral, and the induce -ve and +ve charges not shown.)
kimchi said:my interpretation is that...for electrostatic equilibrium
the electric field of any pt in a conductor is 0. Inside a G. surface as the outer surface of the shell, electric flux is 0. Image there are no charge inside as induced -ve= +, the induced + charge must be uniformly spreaded outside the shell so as to keep net E-field inside the shell 0 (not include the cavity)
but i don't understand: from Gauss' Law>>flux is 0 inside the Gaussian surface when 0 charge enclosed in it, but should E-field be 0 too(inside the shell material)??
kimchi said:but i ain't sure why should + Q evenly distributed outside the gaussian surface? as what i said above? for ensure the 0 E-field!
kimchi said:i guess i know all such thing...but the inner induced -ve charges are not evenly distributed...while outer induced +ve charges are evenly distributed, right?
kimchi said:- G. surfaces in the shell material enclosed no charges inside, so no flux via them.
kimchi said:more clear now. thanks
my mistake is focus on result=final state.
but process is essential too.
Gauss' Law is a fundamental law of electromagnetism that describes the relationship between electric charges and electric fields. It states that the total electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the enclosed charge divided by the permittivity of free space.
Gauss' Law is derived from the principles of Coulomb's Law and the superposition principle. By considering a small test charge placed at different points on a closed surface, we can determine the total electric flux through that surface and ultimately derive the equation for Gauss' Law.
Gauss' Law is significant because it allows us to calculate electric fields in situations with high degrees of symmetry, where direct application of Coulomb's Law may be difficult. It also provides a way to calculate the electric field inside a conductor or on a charged surface.
No, Gauss' Law can only be applied to situations with high degrees of symmetry, such as a point charge, line charge, or charged sphere. For more complex situations, other methods such as numerical integration or the method of images may be used.
Gauss' Law is closely related to the concept of electric potential. By using the gradient of the electric potential, we can derive the electric field from the electric potential, and vice versa. This relationship is known as the gradient theorem and is an important tool in solving electrostatic problems.