Engineering Calculating the flux through a certain radius (concentric charged spheres)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating electric flux through a radius of 1.5 m in the context of concentric charged spheres. Participants clarify the use of symbols and integration methods, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between volume and surface integrals. The correct formula for electric flux in a spherically symmetric case is highlighted, with a focus on the relationship between electric field strength and area. Confusion arises from the reuse of the symbol "r" in different contexts, prompting suggestions to adopt alternative symbols for clarity. Ultimately, it is noted that the flux should be calculated based on the total enclosed charge at the appropriate radius, rather than at 1.5 m.
falyusuf
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Homework Statement
Attached below.
Relevant Equations
Attached below.
Question
1637449071595.png


My attempt for the 1st part, when r = 1.5 m
1637448998692.png


Could someone confirm my answer?
 
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Hi,

Do you know what a shell is ?
You seem to integrate something from 1 to 1.5 m. What is that ?
Did you notice the dimension of the given charge distributions ? Does that match your ##\rho_v## ?
I also have trouble understanding what your symbols mean. ##\phi = Q## ?

##\ ##
 
BvU said:
You seem to integrate something from 1 to 1.5 m. What is that ?
1637516441742.png

BvU said:
also have trouble understanding what your symbols mean. ϕ=Q ?
1637516508833.png
 
Sparse with words we are, eh ?
So what is flux in your context ? Units ?
You are asked to calculate the flux through ##r = 1.5## m as a starter in part (a).
falyusuf said:
My attempt for the 1st part, when r = 1.5 m
In post #3 the volume integral you wrote in post #1 is replaced by a surface integral. Good ! And you write $$\phi = \oint \overline D\, \overline{dS} = Q_{enc} =\int \rho_s ds$$ where I must suppose ##D = \varepsilon_0 E## ?

In my book the electric flux in such a nice spherically symmetric case is ##\Phi = EA## with E the electric field strength in Newton/Coulomb and A the area in m2 . In other words, I get $$\Phi = \oint {\overline {D}\over \varepsilon_0}\; \overline{dS} = {Q_{enc}\over \varepsilon_0}$$ and the units are Nm2/C.

We are still in part (a) first question. I agree that ##Q_{enc} = \rho_s \, 4\pi \,r^2## with ##r = 1 m##.
second and third (a) questions remain unanswered ?
---

Moving on to part (b) first question:

Your exercise composer makes life difficult by re-using symbol ##r## in r = 1.5 m where ##D## is asked for. We no longer need the ##\varepsilon_0##.
You are smart enough to replace ##r## by ##R## (without explaining:mad:) but then you take ##R= 1 ## m (given) ?

##\ ##
 
BvU said:
Sparse with words we are, eh ?
So what is flux in your context ? Units ?
You are asked to calculate the flux through ##r = 1.5## m as a starter in part (a).

In post #3 the volume integral you wrote in post #1 is replaced by a surface integral. Good ! And you write $$\phi = \oint \overline D\, \overline{dS} = Q_{enc} =\int \rho_s ds$$ where I must suppose ##D = \varepsilon_0 E## ?

In my book the electric flux in such a nice spherically symmetric case is ##\Phi = EA## with E the electric field strength in Newton/Coulomb and A the area in m2 . In other words, I get $$\Phi = \oint {\overline {D}\over \varepsilon_0}\; \overline{dS} = {Q_{enc}\over \varepsilon_0}$$ and the units are Nm2/C.

We are still in part (a) first question. I agree that ##Q_{enc} = \rho_s \, 4\pi \,r^2## with ##r = 1 m##.
second and third (a) questions remain unanswered ?
---

Moving on to part (b) first question:

Your exercise composer makes life difficult by re-using symbol ##r## in r = 1.5 m where ##D## is asked for. We no longer need the ##\varepsilon_0##.
You are smart enough to replace ##r## by ##R## (without explaining:mad:) but then you take ##R= 1 ## m (given) ?

##\ ##
I was so confused in using many r's, so I use different symbols, and tried to solve it again. Here's my attempt with my explanation:
1637580301118.png
And regarding the following formula:
1637580341128.png

This is given in the textbook.
 
If the flux it is the total inside charge you have to calculate D at r=2.5 [or r=0.5] and not at r=1.5
 
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