Derivation of Electric Field with Gauss's Law

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the electric field outside a uniformly charged solid ball using Gauss's Law. Participants are examining the mathematical steps involved in calculating the electric field at a distance greater than the radius of the ball.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their approach to finding the electric field E(r) at a distance r>rb from a solid ball with uniform charge density ρ, leading to an expression of E(r) = [ρrb³/(ε0r³)].
  • Another participant suggests using Gauss's Law and prompts the first participant to write the equation for it.
  • A third participant agrees with the right-hand side of the equation presented but questions the left-hand side, indicating a potential error in the derivation.
  • One participant challenges the multiplication of the electric field with the volume, implying a misunderstanding in the application of Gauss's Law.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the correct application of Gauss's Law and the derivation steps. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions and potential errors in the mathematical steps taken by the first participant, particularly concerning the application of Gauss's Law and the treatment of the electric field and volume.

k_squared
Messages
62
Reaction score
0
I did everything I could to solve the following problem:
A solid ball of radius rb has a uniform charge density ρ.

What is the magnitude of the electric field E(r) at a distance r>rb from the center of the ball?
E(r) =

My third attempt went like this: qencl=[ρ(4/3)(π)rb3]

EV=[ρ(4/3)(π)rb3]/(ε0)
E(4/3)πr3=[ρ(4/3)(π)rb3]/(ε0)

And ah, well, a little simple division and cancelling leads to:
[ρrb3/[ε0r3]

However, the book answer is 1/3 my answer. Could someone please tell me where this constant develops?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try Gauss's law. Start by writing the equation for Gauss's law.
 
k_squared said:
EV=[ρ(4/3)(π)rb3]/(ε0)
The righthand side is okay. Check the details on the lefthand side of this equation.
 
Why did you multiply the electric field with the volume?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
978