Metal Sphere surrounded by dielectric

In summary, a metal sphere surrounded by dielectric is a physical arrangement used to study electric fields and charges. The dielectric material helps to isolate the electric field and allows for more accurate measurements. It alters the distribution of charges on the surface of the sphere and can be replaced with different substances. This setup has practical applications in various technologies and is commonly used in experiments and simulations.
  • #1
Marioqwe
68
4
It is Example 4.5 in Griffiths intro to Electrodynamics.

A metal sphere of radius a carries a charge Q. It is surrounded, out to radius b, by linear dielectric material of permittivity epsilon ...

He goes on to say that E = P = D = 0 inside the sphere. I understand that D = 0 inside, but why is E = 0? Is the polarization of the dielectric pulling all of the charge inside the sphere to the surface? I really don't understand :(.
 
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  • #2
If it's a metal sphere,where are the charges ALWAYS congregated, assuming a static situation? And why?
 

1. What is a metal sphere surrounded by dielectric?

A metal sphere surrounded by dielectric is a physical arrangement where a conductive sphere is enclosed by a non-conductive material known as dielectric. This setup is often used in experiments or simulations to study the behavior of electric fields and charges.

2. What is the purpose of using a metal sphere surrounded by dielectric in experiments?

The purpose of using a metal sphere surrounded by dielectric is to create a controlled environment for studying electric fields and charges. The dielectric material helps to isolate the electric field within the sphere, allowing for more accurate measurements and observations.

3. How does the presence of the dielectric affect the electric field within the metal sphere?

The presence of the dielectric affects the electric field within the metal sphere by altering the distribution of charges on the surface of the sphere. The dielectric material has a different electrical conductivity than the metal, causing a redistribution of charges and a change in the strength of the electric field.

4. Can the dielectric material be replaced with another substance in this setup?

Yes, the dielectric material can be replaced with another substance in this setup. The choice of dielectric material will affect the behavior of the electric field and charges within the metal sphere. Different materials have different dielectric constants, which determine their ability to store electric charge.

5. What are some practical applications of a metal sphere surrounded by dielectric?

A metal sphere surrounded by dielectric has several practical applications, such as in capacitors, antennas, and particle accelerators. It is also commonly used in experiments and simulations to study the behavior of electric fields and charges, as well as in the development of new technologies related to electricity and magnetism.

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