Dielectric with net charge

1. Dec 12, 2007

Sculptured

Let's say we have a sphere, radius R, which has a uniform volume charge density. Then we wrap it around with a dielectric with a frozen in polarizability of kz in the z direction. This dielectric goes from R to a radius A. The total surface bound charge on either surface of the dielectric is zero; however, the volume bound charge total is -4/3(A^3-R^3)*pi*k. Now I would think that this net charge would change the E field outside the dielectric. Looking at it through the electric displacement vector shows that in a region outside the dielectric, the E field would be determined only by the free charge on the sphere. Which would say that the charge of the dielectric has no effect. Anybody who would know which of these scenarios is actually happening and why?

2. Dec 13, 2007

clem

Although the total bound surface charge (bsc) is zero, the bsc varies with angle.
Therefor, you cannot use Gauss's law.
The problem requires a Legendre polynomial expansion.

3. Dec 14, 2007

mda

The external field will be non-zero, because the central sphere is a monopolar source and the coating is essentially a dipolar source.