Electric field by continuous charge distributions.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the electric field generated by continuous charge distributions, specifically a spherical shell. The electric field just outside the shell is established as ##E = 4\pi \sigma##, while inside the shell, the electric field is zero. The charge on the shell is quantified as ##Q = 4\pi r_0^2 \sigma##. The author initially misinterpreted the relationship between the electric field and charge, leading to confusion regarding the derivation of the electric field "on it." Clarifications confirm that the electric field at the surface of the shell is indeed ##E = 4\pi \sigma##.

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Buffu
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While reading the book, Electricity and magnetism, the author says that electric field just outside a spherical shell is ##4\pi \sigma##, on it ##4\pi\sigma r_0^2## ,inside is ##0## and outside is ##Q/R^2##.

My derivations :-

For inside,

##E\Delta S = 4\pi Q = 0## since ##Q = 0##.

For outside,

##E \Delta S = 4 \pi {Q} \iff E \cdot 4 \pi R^2= 4 \pi {Q} ##

For just outside,

##E \cdot (4\pi r_0^2) = 4\pi \sigma (4\pi r_0^2)##.

But I am unable to derive the one for "on it", any suggestions what should I do ?

So far I get,

##E \cdot (\Delta S) = 4\pi (\sigma 4\pi r_0^2)##.

What should be ##\Delta S## ?

Note for future readers :-

The charge is ##4\pi\sigma r_0^2## not the Field. I read it incorrectly.
 
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It looks like the author is using cgs units, where ## E=Q/r^2 ##. Meanwhile "on it", refers to the charge ## Q ## that is "on it", ## Q=(4 \pi r_o^2) \sigma ##. ## \\ ## Editing... Additionally ## E=4 \pi \sigma ## at ## r=r_o ## (i.e. ## r ## just slightly greater than ## r_o ##.)
 
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Charles Link said:
It looks like the author is using cgs units, where ## E=Q/r^2 ##. Meaning "on it", refers to the charge ## Q=(4 \pi r_o^2) \sigma ##. Editing... ## E=4 \pi \sigma ## at ## r=r_o ## (i.e. ## r ## just slightly greater than ## r_o ##.)

Yes you are correct. It my mistake, he meant charge on it is ##4\pi r^2_0\sigma## not the electric field.

Thanks and sorry for this useless question :((.
 
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