Calculating Charge on a Spherical Surface with Varying Density

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the total electric charge on a spherical surface with a charge density defined by f(r, φ, θ) = 3 × 10^{-12} cos(θ). The integral for total charge results in zero due to the symmetry of the charge distribution, where the upper hemisphere contributes positive charge and the lower hemisphere contributes an equal amount of negative charge. This cancellation occurs because cos(θ) changes sign at θ = π/2. The participant initially struggled to understand why their calculations led to a zero result but later recognized the physical explanation behind it. The resolution highlights the importance of considering the symmetry in charge distributions when performing such calculations.
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Homework Statement



Electric charge resides on a spherical surface of radius 0.3 centered at the origin with charge density specified in spherical polar coordinates by f(r,\phi, \theta) = 3 × 10^{-12} cos(\theta).

Determine the total amount of electric charge on the sphere.

Homework Equations



Total charge, Q = \int\limits_s f dA

The Attempt at a Solution



[/B]Essentially, I am confused about why I am finding the answer is zero. What is the physical explanation for this? (provided my maths is ok)

Total charge, Q = \int\limits_s f dA

Q = \int\limits_0^{2\pi} \int\limits_0^\pi 3 × 10^{-12} cos(\theta) r^{2} \sin(\theta) d\phi d\theta

Q = \int\limits_0^{2\pi} \int\limits_0^\pi 2.7×10^{-13} cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) d\phi d\theta

\int\limits_0^{2\pi} d\phi = 2\pi

Q = 5.4×10^{-13} \pi \int\limits_0^\pi cos(\theta) \sin(\theta) d\theta

\sin(2 \theta) = 2 \sin(\theta) \cos(\theta)

\frac{1}{2} \sin(2 \theta) = \sin(\theta) \cos(\theta)

Q = 5.4×10^{-13} \pi \int\limits_0^\pi \frac{1}{2} \sin(2 \theta) d\theta

Q = 5.4×10^{-13} \pi ((-\frac{1}{4} \cos(2 \pi)) - (-\frac{1}{4}\cos(0))

Q = 0

I can't see an obvious mistake in my maths, but the answer doesn't seem right either.

I really appreciate any help you can give,

thanks!
 
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cos(θ) changes sign at θ=pi/2. The upper hemisphere is positive, the lower one is negatively charged.
 
ehild said:
cos(θ) changes sign at θ=pi/2. The upper hemisphere is positive, the lower one is negatively charged.

Ohhh!

That makes perfect sense, thank you!
 
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