Gauss's Law - A hollow sphere with inner and outer radius

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of electric field inside, within, and outside a hollow spherical shell with uniform charge distribution. The hint suggests considering the flux through the sphere at different radii to solve the problem.
  • #1
roman15
70
0
Gauss's Law - A hollow sphere with inner and outer radius!

Homework Statement


A spherical shell of inner radius R1 and outer R2 carries a charge Q that is uniformly distributed throughout its volume. No other charges present.
a)calculate E inside the sphere
b)within the volume
c)outside the sphere


Homework Equations


Im not really sure what to do, i understand how to calculate for a hollow sphere without a surface thickness, but this has got me stuck. any help would be appreciated


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
hi roman15! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

hint: what is the flux through a sphere of radius
a) < R1
b) > R1 but < R2
c) > R2 ? :wink:
 

1. What is Gauss's Law?

Gauss's Law is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that describes the relationship between electric charges and electric fields. It states that the electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the enclosed electric charge.

2. How does Gauss's Law apply to a hollow sphere with inner and outer radius?

In the case of a hollow sphere, the electric field inside the sphere is zero because the electric charges on the inner surface cancel out the charges on the outer surface. This means that the electric flux through the closed surface of the sphere is also zero, as stated by Gauss's Law.

3. What is the formula for calculating electric flux through a closed surface?

The formula for electric flux is given by Φ = ∫E · dA, where E is the electric field and dA is the differential area element of the closed surface. In the case of a hollow sphere, the electric flux is zero as the electric field inside is zero.

4. Can Gauss's Law be used to find the electric field at any point inside the hollow sphere?

No, Gauss's Law only applies to closed surfaces. To find the electric field at any point inside the sphere, we would need to use other methods such as Coulomb's Law or the superposition principle.

5. How is Gauss's Law used in practical applications?

Gauss's Law has many practical applications in the field of electromagnetism, such as calculating the electric field due to a charged particle or finding the electric field inside a conductor. It is also used in the design of electronic devices and in the study of electric fields in various materials.

Similar threads

Electric field external to Conducting Hollow Sphere with charge inside
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
385
Gauss' law and Faraday cage problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
717
Find charge inner/hollow sphere
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Electric field of two conducting concentric spheres
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
3K
Understanding the electric field of a sphere with a hole
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
4K
Electric field sphere calculations with a hollow cavity using Gauss' law
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
2K
Gauss' Law applied to this Charged Spherical Shell with a small hole
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Charge on inner/outer surfaces of two large parallel conducting plates
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
378
Question on a Gauss's Law problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
809
Using Gauss' Law to find the field at a point
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
820

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top