Electric field due to a nonconducting sphere

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field due to a uniformly charged nonconducting sphere at specific points. The user attempts to derive the electric field at a point P located at a distance R from the sphere's edge and at R/2 from the center. They express concerns about their integration method and the application of Gauss's Law, questioning whether they are correctly using the concept of a Gaussian surface. They also suggest that treating the sphere as a point charge yields the same result for the electric field. The conversation highlights the complexities of applying electric field concepts to charge distributions and the confusion surrounding Gaussian surfaces.
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Homework Statement


A spherical nonconducting surface of radius R is uniformly charged in its surface with net charge +Q. Calculate the electric field at a point P which is located at a distance R from the right border of the sphere. Calculate the electric field at a point R/2 at each side of the center of the sphere.


Homework Equations


I came up with this.
Let p=Q/V
dq = pdV
V = f(x,y,z) = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 - R = 0
∂V = 2y∂y
and Ep = ke2R-R dq/y^2 r

The Attempt at a Solution


After integration, Ep = 2keQ(ln2)/R r

My question is, am I applying the concept of electric field due to a charge distribution in the correct way? I think I might have got it wrong with the dV component... Also, since the topic is Gauss Law, how am I supposed to use the concept of a gaussian surface to calculate electric field?
 
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My other attempt would be to construct a gaussian surface enclosing this sphere and express the electric field at p as Q/epsilon*(4*pi*R^2) which would come to kQ/R^2 (same as if i had taken it to be a point charge). THIS... IS... CONFUSING!
 
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