What is the total energy of the point charge?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a solid sphere with a uniformly distributed charge and a point charge placed on its surface. Participants are exploring the motion of the point charge and its total energy within the context of electrostatics and harmonic motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the motion of the point charge, with some suggesting it may be simple harmonic motion. Others propose using Gauss' Law to determine the electric field within the sphere and calculate the forces acting on the charge. Questions about the assumptions regarding the charge distribution and the effects on motion are also raised.

Discussion Status

There are various approaches being explored, including the application of Gauss' Law and the implications of the charge's motion. Some participants have provided mathematical expressions related to the period of motion and energy, but there is no explicit consensus on the overall interpretation or resolution of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that the point charge does not disturb the charge density of the sphere, which may influence the calculations and interpretations discussed.

meadow
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I need help with this question. I can't see the motion. I have

Consider a solid sphere of radius R with a charge Q distributed uniformly. Suppose that a point charge 'q' of mass 'm', with a sign opposite that of Q, is free to move within the solid sphere. Charge q is placed at rest on the surface of the solid sphere and released. Describe the subsequent motion. In particular, what is the period of the motion, and what is the total energy of the point charge?

HELP!
 
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If the charge is free to move through the sphere,the motion will be a simple harmonic one
with time period=T where T is given by
[tex]T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{4 \pi \epsilon_0 R^3 m}{Qq}}[/tex]
 
Assume the charge will not disturb the charge density of the sphere. Use Gauss' Law to find the electric field inside the sphere. I think it's obvious what your Gaussian surface should be.
After you've found the electric field as a function of position (or distance from the sphere), you can simply calculate the force acting on the charge and use Newton's Laws to find its motion.
 
Energy of point charge is given by E where E is given by the expression that is written below
[tex]E=-\frac{Qq}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 R}[/tex]
 

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