Electric field at the surface of a spherical shell?

In summary, the electric field at the surface of a spherical shell is a measure of the strength and direction of the electric force experienced by a charged particle placed on the surface of the shell. It is calculated using the formula E = Q/4πε₀r², where Q is the charge of the shell, ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, and r is the radius of the shell. The electric field does not depend on the charge distribution of the shell and remains constant regardless of the distance from the center. It can be zero if the total charge of the shell is zero, meaning there are equal amounts of positive and negative charges on the surface of the shell.
  • #1
rahaverhma
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1
What is the value of electric field at the surface of a spherical shell?
 
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  • #2
##\vec{E}##

If you don't get it: unless you give more details, there is no way to answer this question.
 
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  • #3
I don't mean above the surface. Actually Exactly at the surface. And let radius 'r', charge 'q'.
 
  • #4
And where is this charge q?
 
  • #5
rahaverhma said:
I don't mean above the surface. Actually Exactly at the surface. And let radius 'r', charge 'q'.

This is still very vague. Is this a conducting spherical shell? If it isn't, is this a uniform charge distribution?

And, per the PF rules, have you attempted to solve this (i.e. apply Gauss's Law)? If you have, show it. If not, why not?

Furthermore, if this is part of a school work (and I can't imagine anyone asking such a question and not having this as part it), shouldn't this be done in the HW/Coursework forum?

Zz.
 
  • #6
There is a uniformly charge distributed (conducting) spherical shell of radius 'r' having a total charge 'q' on its surface.Then I have to know abt the behavior and value of electric field just at its surface. Neither inside nor outside.
 
  • #7
And shell has 0 dimensions
 
  • #8
This now clearly looks like homework. Please repost in the introductory physics homework forum, and fill the homework template, including an attempt at a solution.

Thread closed.
 

1. What is an electric field at the surface of a spherical shell?

The electric field at the surface of a spherical shell is a measure of the strength and direction of the electric force experienced by a charged particle placed on the surface of the shell. It is given by the ratio of the electric force to the charge of the particle and is expressed in units of newtons per coulomb (N/C).

2. How is the electric field at the surface of a spherical shell calculated?

The electric field at the surface of a spherical shell can be calculated using the formula E = Q/4πε₀r², where Q is the charge of the shell, ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, and r is the radius of the shell.

3. Does the electric field at the surface of a spherical shell depend on the charge distribution of the shell?

No, the electric field at the surface of a spherical shell does not depend on the charge distribution of the shell. It only depends on the total charge of the shell and the radius.

4. How does the electric field at the surface of a spherical shell change with distance from the center?

The electric field at the surface of a spherical shell is constant regardless of the distance from the center. This is because the electric field is a result of the charge distribution on the surface of the shell, and this distribution remains the same regardless of the distance from the center.

5. Can the electric field at the surface of a spherical shell be zero?

Yes, the electric field at the surface of a spherical shell can be zero if the total charge of the shell is zero. This means that there are equal amounts of positive and negative charges on the surface, resulting in a net electric field of zero.

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