Calculate the potential energy of a uniformly-charged sphere

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SUMMARY

The potential energy of a uniformly-charged sphere with total charge Q can be calculated using the formula U = (3/5)(Q^2/r), where r is the radius of the sphere. The integration approach involves calculating the electric field layer-by-layer and integrating the work done to bring additional charge into the sphere. The relevant equation for potential energy is U = (1/8π)∫(E^2)dV, but care must be taken with the limits of integration to avoid singularities at r = 0. The final solution confirms that the potential energy is finite and well-defined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and electric fields
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly in three dimensions
  • Knowledge of potential energy concepts in physics
  • Ability to work with charge density and spherical coordinates
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  • Study the derivation of electric fields for uniformly charged spheres
  • Learn about integration techniques in spherical coordinates
  • Explore the concept of electric potential and its relation to potential energy
  • Investigate the implications of charge density variations in electrostatics
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Aesteus
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Homework Statement



Using integration by volume calculate the potential energy of a uniformly-charged sphere with total charge Q. I assume the sphere is solid with uniform charge density.

Homework Equations



U=(1/8pi)*∫(E^2)dV

The Attempt at a Solution



My problem is that when I attempt to integrate from 0 to r, the 1/r^2 term of E blows up at 0 and I'm left with infinite potential energy. Is there another equation I can integrate? Which integral should I be taking to evaluate this problem, or what limits should I be using?

I'm trying to build up the total E-field layer-by-layer, by adding the E-fields of multiple overlapping spheres, but I still can't get the integral.

Edit: Nevermind I've got it. U=(3/5)*(Q^2/r)
 
Last edited:
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Aesteus said:
Using integration by volume calculate the potential energy of a uniformly-charged sphere with total charge Q.

Assuming that the sphere is non conduction and let charge density is ρ

find charge in sphere when its radius becomes r

now find the potential at surface of the sphere (V)

now let by bringing some charge we increase its radius by dr
calculate the charge in this dr ... dq

now to bring this charge work done is dW = Vdq

Now integrate
 

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