Compute voltage inside sphere of uniform charge

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential inside and outside a uniformly charged solid sphere with radius R and total charge q, as outlined in Problem 2.21 from "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David J. Griffiths. The electric field outside the sphere is derived as E = (q)/(4πε0r²), leading to the potential V = q/(4πε0r). The challenge arises in determining the electric potential inside the sphere, where the electric field is not zero, necessitating the use of Gaussian surfaces to evaluate the charge distribution and field contributions accurately.

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  • Understanding of electric fields and potentials in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with Gauss's Law and its applications
  • Knowledge of integral calculus for evaluating electric potential
  • Basic concepts of charge distribution in solid spheres
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  • Study the derivation of electric fields using Gauss's Law for different charge distributions
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  • Explore the implications of charge density in uniformly charged spheres
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Gary Roach
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Homework Statement


Problem 2.21 from Introduction to Electrodynamics, David J. Griffiths, Third Edition.

Find the potential inside and outside a uniformly charged solid sphere who's radius is R and whose total charge is q. Use infinity as your reference point.


Homework Equations


Given: q, R, r'(r inside sphere)
Variable: r
∫E da =q/ε0
V = -∫^{r}_{∞}E dl


The Attempt at a Solution


Outside of sphere:
|E|∫s r2sinΘdΘdø = (1/ε0)q
E = (q)\widehat{r}/(4π εor2)
V = -∫^{r}_{∞}E dr =q/4πε0r

The above is pretty straight forward. On the other hand, the Voltage inside the sphere completely illudes me. From the answer book, I know that is an A - B type problem but can't seem to get my mind around the concept. I know that the Voltage is a function of the radius but the E field is not zero as in a hollow sphere. How is the basic equation for the E field inside the sphere derived?
 
Last edited:
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charge inside the gaussian surface at r<R is proportional to the Volume enclosed: rho V_inside
where rho = q/(4/3 pi R^3)
 
For a radius r>R, consider the sphere with a smaller radius (smaller than r) and the hollow sphere with a larger radius (larger than r) as separate objects. How can you calculate their field contributions?
 

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