Find the surface charge density

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the surface charge density of a spherical metal satellite with a specified diameter and accumulated charge. Participants are exploring the relationship between charge, surface area, and surface charge density in the context of electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to find the surface area of the sphere to calculate surface charge density. There is confusion regarding the interpretation of the charge mentioned in the problem, with questions about whether it refers to total charge or surface charge density.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on using the definition of surface charge density and the formula for the surface area of a sphere. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct interpretation of the charge in the context of the problem, with multiple interpretations being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem as presented, with specific values for charge and dimensions provided. There is an emphasis on understanding the definitions and relationships involved in calculating surface charge density.

mr_coffee
Messages
1,613
Reaction score
1
Helllo everyone I'm stuck. A sphereical metal satelliete 1.3m in diameter accumulates 2.4x10^-6 C of charge in one orbital revolution. Find the resulting surface charge density. This is a simple plug in chug problem i think...I know the charge and radius but i can't finda formula that works. The closest one i found was: E = [tex]\delta[/tex]/Eo; Any suggestions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have the charge. All you need is the surface area. Look up the formula for the surface area of a sphere.
 
ohhh so charge here doesn't mean q enclosed, it means surface charge density? So i could use E = [tex]\delta[/tex]/(2piEor)
 
mr_coffee said:
ohhh so charge here doesn't mean q enclosed, it means surface charge density?
Right. The problem (as you gave it) states: "Find the resulting surface charge density."

And the most direct way to calculate surface charge density is by its definition: [surface charge]/[surface area]. So... what's the surface area of a sphere?
 
Oh i think you misunderstood when i said, "ohhh so charge here doesn't mean q enclosed, it means surface charge density? " I was talking about, it said: "...accumulates 2.4x10^-6 C of charge in one orbital revolution." <---that charge is q not [tex]\delta[/tex] right? The surface are of a sphere is 4PIr^2. E = [tex]\delta[/tex]/(4PIr^2Eo) like that?
 
ahhh n/m I'm retarded, i didn't even read ur post cleary, thanks i got it with ur suggestion!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
44
Views
4K
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K