B Coulomb pressure and concentric spheres

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the electrostatic interactions between a positively charged sphere and a concentric negatively charged shell, questioning whether there is an outward pressure at the surface of the sphere or an attraction between the two. It suggests that the pressure at radius 'a' could be calculated as kqq/a²/(4πa²), decreasing to zero at radius 'b'. The conversation also posits that if 'b' were infinite, the dynamics would remain unchanged. Additionally, the problem is likened to a hydrostatics scenario, where the relationship between pressure and electric field strength is explored. Ultimately, the resolution of the field strength is sought, emphasizing the connection to hydrostatic principles.
MarkL
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Suppose you have a sphere of radius a of positive charge, and a concentric shell from a to b of negative charge. The positive charge is equal to the negative charge. (non-conducting, uniform density)
Is there an outward pressure at a of kqq/a2/(4πa2) - with pressure decreasing with radius, becoming P = 0 at b.
Or, is there an attraction between the sphere and the shell --> P = 0 everywhere. The thickness of the shell does not matter. What if b was infinity?
Thanks
 
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Do you know how to solve the problem for the field strength? Because it's the same as a hydrostatics problem with ##\nabla p(r) = -\rho \mathbf{E}(r)##. Equivalently ##\nabla(p - \rho \phi) = 0##.
 
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