Electric Field and Flux: Calculations and Explanations

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field and flux for a nonconducting sphere with a uniform charge density and a point charge. For part (a), the electric field at point P, located at a distance R from the center of the sphere, is determined to be E = (Qa)/(4πR³ε₀), directed away from the sphere. In part (b), the electric flux through a spherical surface centered at C and passing through P is calculated as Φ = (Qa³)/(R³ε₀). The discussion also explores the contributions of multiple point charges to electric flux and fields, referencing Gauss' theorem for justification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and flux in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with Gauss' theorem and its applications
  • Knowledge of charge density and its implications on electric fields
  • Basic calculus for evaluating electric field equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the applications of Gauss' theorem in various geometries
  • Learn about electric field calculations for different charge distributions
  • Explore the concept of electric flux and its relationship with electric fields
  • Investigate the implications of net charge on electric fields in closed surfaces
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in advanced electrostatics concepts.

harmonicmotion
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
1.





A nonconducting sphere with center C and radius a has a spherically symmetric electric charge density. The total charge of the object is Q > 0.
a. Determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field at point P, which is a distance R > a to the right of the sphere's center.

b. Determine the flux of the electric field through the spherical surface centered at C and passing through P.








A point particle of charge Q is now placed a distance R below point P. as shown above.

c. Determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field at point P.








d. Now consider four point charges, q1, q2, q3, and q4, that lie in the plane of the page as shown in the diagram above. Imagine a three dimensional closed surface whose cross section in the plane of the page is indicated.
i. Which of these charges contribute to the net electric flux through the surface?

ii. Which of these charges contribute to the electric field at point P1 ?

iii. Are your answers to i and ii the same or are they different? Explain why this is so.

e. If the net charge enclosed by a surface is zero, does this mean that the field is zero at all points on the surface? Justify your answer.

f. If the field is zero at all points on a surface, does this mean there is no net charge enclosed by the surface? Justify your answer.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
i was wondering if someone could help me with this problem
 
What are your thoughts so far? Does Gauss' theorem say anything useful? Hint: yes.

Also, the questions refer to diagrams that nobody but you can see. You ought to find a way to share them.
 
For a) i got E= (Qa)/(4piR^3*epsilon naught) away from the sphere
for b) i got (Qa^3)/(R^3*epsilon naught)

is that right?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
901
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K