Can someone answer a quick question for me about e field by spheres.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the electric field generated by spheres, particularly in scenarios where the radius of the sphere is compared to the distance from its center. Participants explore the implications of charge distribution on the electric field both inside and outside the sphere.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question whether the electric field is zero inside a sphere when the radius is greater than or equal to the distance from the center. They discuss the role of charge distribution and whether the scenario changes based on uniform distribution.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants clarifying concepts related to electric fields in different configurations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of Gauss's Law, and distinctions between solid spheres and spherical shells are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion between solid spheres and spherical shells, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the principles involved. The charge distribution is specified as uniform, which is relevant to the discussion of the electric field's behavior.

charlies1902
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So let's say a sphere has radius R and you want to find the e field where R>r and R is equal to or greater than r.

would the e field for R>r just be 0?
Wouldn't that also mean it's 0 for R is equal to or greater than r, or does it change because it's EQUAL or greater?
 
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The answers depends on how the charge is distributed through the solid sphere.
 
sorry, uniformly distributed thorughout the sphere.
 
OK, in that case, the electric field wouldn't be 0 inside the sphere. You can calculate what it is by applying Gauss's Law.
 
i think i got the sphere confused with spherical shell because in the book it keeps switching back and forth. For spherical spheres it would be 0 right for points within the sphere?
 
Yes, if all the charge is on uniformly distributed on the surface of the sphere, there's no electric field inside.
 

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