AP Physics C-E&M: Calculating q_encl

In summary: Just make sure to use the correct expression for q_encl. In summary, the conversation discusses finding the charge enclosed within a gaussian surface in relation to a given charge density equation. The correct approach is to integrate the given expression and substitute it into the formula for q_encl, and then use that value to calculate the electric field, E.
  • #1
darksyesider
63
0

Homework Statement



http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap14_frq_Physics_C-E-M.pdf

#3 c ii)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

##\oint E\cdot dA = \dfrac{q_{encl}}{\epsilon_0}##

To find q_encl would this be correct;

## q_{encl} = \int \dfrac{-\beta}{r^2}\cdot e^{-r/\alpha}\cdot (4\pi r^2)dr##

then integrating that, and substituting it into the expression for q_{encl}.##E = \dfrac{q_{encl} }{\epsilon_0 \cdot 4\pi r^2}##
 
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  • #2
The calculation do not appear to relate to E&M 3 c ii.
You are given the charge density already. What is the relationship between that and the charge enclosed?
 
  • #3
Well the charge density is not the actual charge (q enclosed), so i integrated the expression of:
density * surface area *dr to get a thin spherical shell of charge which accumulates. This would be q enclosed.

Is this correct?
 
  • #4
The q-enclosed is the charge enclosed inside the gaussian surface.
It sounds like you have the right approach to work it out.

Note: your second line is the expression for q-enclosed.
You then say "integrate that and substitute into the expression for q-enclosed" ... i.e. into itself.
This is what threw me off.

Presumably you mean - substitute into into another expression to find E.
 
  • #5
darksyesider said:


The Attempt at a Solution




##\oint E\cdot dA = \dfrac{q_{encl}}{\epsilon_0}##

To find q_encl would this be correct;

## q_{encl} = \int \dfrac{-\beta}{r^2}\cdot e^{-r/\alpha}\cdot (4\pi r^2)dr##

Partially correct. Reread the very first sentence of the problem. Besides the equation for the electron charge density, what else does the model consist of?

then integrating that, and substituting it into the expression for q_{encl}.


##E = \dfrac{q_{encl} }{\epsilon_0 \cdot 4\pi r^2}##
Yes, that is the idea.
 

1. How do you calculate qencl in AP Physics C-E&M?

In AP Physics C-E&M, qencl represents the enclosed charge within a Gaussian surface. To calculate it, you can use the formula qencl = ∮SρdV, where ρ is the charge density and dV is the differential volume element. This integral is usually simplified by considering the symmetry of the charge distribution.

2. What is the significance of calculating qencl in AP Physics C-E&M?

Calculating qencl allows us to determine the electric field at a point due to a charge distribution. This is important in understanding the behavior of electric fields and how they interact with charges.

3. How do you determine the direction of qencl in AP Physics C-E&M?

The direction of qencl is determined by the direction of the electric field lines at a point. The electric field lines always point in the direction of the electric field, which is also the direction of the force that would be exerted on a positive test charge placed at that point.

4. Can you calculate qencl for a non-uniform charge distribution?

Yes, the formula for qencl can be applied to both uniform and non-uniform charge distributions. However, the integral may be more complex for non-uniform distributions and may require additional mathematical techniques to solve.

5. How does calculating qencl relate to Gauss's Law in AP Physics C-E&M?

Gauss's Law states that the electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the enclosed charge divided by the permittivity of free space. In other words, the integral of the electric field over a closed surface is equal to qencl / ε0. This is a useful tool for calculating qencl in certain situations without having to perform a difficult integral.

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