The discussion revolves around calculating the total charge on a sphere with a given volume charge density that varies with radius. The original poster presents an expression for the charge density and attempts to set up an integral to find the total charge.
The discussion is active, with participants providing clarifications on the setup of the problem and exploring how to approach the integration. There is an indication of productive dialogue, particularly regarding the application of Gauss's law to find the electric field.
Participants are considering the implications of the charge distribution and how it affects calculations related to electric fields within and outside the sphere. There is an ongoing exploration of assumptions related to the charge density and integration limits.
I presume that you mean ρ = ρ0(r/R) is the volume charge density for a sphere of radius, R, where ρ0 is the volume charge density at the surface of the sphere.nosmas said:Homework Statement
Using integration calculate the total charge on the sphere
radius R
Volume charge density at the surface of the sphere p0
p = p0r/R
I started with dq = 4*pi*r^2*dr*(p0r/R)
but i am not sure how to integrate (in terms of what variable I would assume r=0 to r=R) but i am not sure i set up the question right
To find the charge enclosed in a sphere of radius, r, integrate from 0 to r .nosmas said:That makes sense so if I was asked to find the E field using gauss's law for r<=R would I just use E=q/(area*epsilon) but how would I know what q enclosed is?