Can't Find Error in Application of Gauss's Law

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a nonconducting sphere with two layers, where the inner layer has a negative charge density and the outer layer has a positive charge density. The task is to determine the electric field in the region between the two layers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the electric field contributions from both layers of the sphere but expresses confusion about the results, particularly for the inner layer.
  • Some participants question the specific details of the book's stated electric field for the inner sphere and whether it refers to a specific radial distance or a general expression.
  • Others suggest that the discrepancy may arise from an assumption about the charge density of the inner layer.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and the book's answers. Some guidance has been offered regarding the charge density and its implications for the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the charge density of the inner sphere and how it affects the calculations for the electric field. The original poster acknowledges a possible oversight in their approach.

SaintsTheMeta
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Can't find the error I made... Rudimentary problem i know but i can't find where my mistake is...

Homework Statement


A nonconducting sphere is made of two layers. The innermost section has a radius of 6.0 cm and a uniform charge density of -5.0 C/m3. The outer layer has a uniform charge density of +8.0 C/m3 and extends from an inner radius of 6.0 cm to an outer radius of 12.0 cm. Determine the electric field for: ... (b) 6.0 cm < r < 12.0 cm

Homework Equations


Gauss's Law [tex]\oint\vec{E}\text{dA=}\frac{Q_{encl}}{\epsilon_{0}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Basically I would find the electric field due to the inner layer and then the outer layer and add them together.
Starting with the outer layer:
[tex]\tex{E(4}\pi\tex{r^{2})=}\frac{1}{\epsilon_{0}}\tex{(}\frac{r^{3}}{r_{0}^{3}}\tex{)Q}[/tex]
[tex]\tex{E=}\frac{1}{\tex{4}\pi\epsilon_{0}}\tex{(}\frac{r}{r_{0}^{3}}\tex{)Q}[/tex]
[tex]\tex{E=}\frac{1}{\tex{4}\pi\epsilon_{0}}\tex{(}\frac{1}{0.12^{3}}\tex{)(}\frac{4}{3}\pi\cdot\tex{0.12^{3})(8)r[/tex]
[tex]{E=}\frac{8}{3\epsilon_{0}}{r}[/tex]
[tex]{E=3.0}\cdot{10^{11}r}\hspace{1 pc}\frac{N\cdot\tex{m}}{C}[/tex]
so far so good i think
now for the internal part...
[tex]{E(4}\pi\tex{r^{2})}=}\frac{Q}{\epsilon_{0}}[/tex]
[tex]{E=}\frac{1}{4\pi\tex{r^{2}}\epsilon_{0}}{(}\frac{4}{3}\pi\tex{0.06^{3})(-5)[/tex]
[tex]{E=}\frac{-0.00108}{3\cdot\tex{(8.9\cdot{10^{-12})r^{2}}}}[/tex]
[tex]{E=-4.1}\cdot{10^{7}}\frac{1}{r^{2}}[/tex]

however there is the problem... i don't see where my mistake was in that second part, but the book says the second part of the Electric Field from the core sphere should be -1.1x10^8/r^2...

so confused maybe its just too late (early) but any help is appreciated
 
Last edited:
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Does the book explicitly state that the electric field from the inner sphere is -1.1 x 10^8/r^2, or does it state the electric field between two radial distances?
 
Last edited:
Gear300 said:
Does the book explicitly state that the electric field from the inner sphere is -1.1 x 10^8/r^2, or does it state the electric field between two radial distances?

The book gives the answer as exactly:
-(1.1 x 10^8 N*m^2/C)/r^2 + (3.0 x 10^11 N/C*m)r

And as my outer shell matches the second part of their answer exactly, i can only assume that the first part is what my inner shell should amount to...
 
Your calculation for the outer shell assumes you have a solid sphere, including the region [itex]r<0.06~\mbox{m}[/itex]. To compensate for that, the book used a charge density of -13 C/m^3 for the inner sphere.
 
vela said:
Your calculation for the outer shell assumes you have a solid sphere, including the region [itex]r<0.06~\mbox{m}[/itex]. To compensate for that, the book used a charge density of -13 C/m^3 for the inner sphere.

OH! I see!

Yea for anyone else that might stumble here from google like i always do, I forgot to subtract out the inside of the outer sphere.

Thank you vela!
 

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