Electric field charge density question

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving electric fields and charge density in spherical coordinates. The electric field is given as \(\mathbf{E} = kr^3 \hat{\mathbf{r}}\), and participants are tasked with finding the charge density \(\rho\) and the total charge contained within a sphere of radius \(R\). The context includes the application of Gauss's law and divergence in spherical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss rearranging equations to find charge density and explore the divergence in spherical coordinates. There is an attempt to compute the charge density from the electric field using the divergence operator.
  • Questions arise regarding the correctness of the divergence calculation and the factors involved in the resulting charge density.
  • One participant suggests verifying the charge contained in the sphere using the charge density calculated in part (a) as a potential alternative approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the correct application of divergence in spherical coordinates. Some participants express uncertainty about the calculations and seek clarification on specific steps. There is no explicit consensus yet, as multiple interpretations and methods are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to adhere to homework guidelines, which may limit the information available for solving the problem. There is also mention of potential missing factors in calculations, indicating uncertainty in the approach taken.

vorcil
Messages
395
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Suppose the electric field in some region is found to be [tex]\bf{E} = kr^3 \bf{\hat{r}}[/tex], in spherical coordinates, (k is some constant).

(a) find the charge density [tex]\rho[/tex]

(b) find the total charged contained in a sphere of radius R, centered at the origin. (do it two different ways)

Homework Equations



All of them,

[tex]\bf{E(r)} = \frac{1}{4\pi \epsilon_o} \int_V \frac{\rho (\bf{r'})}{\varsigma^2} \hat{\varsigma} d\tau' .[/tex]

[tex]\nabla . \bf{E} = \frac{1}{\epsilon_o} \rho[/tex] <- Gauss's law

noting that [tex]\varsigma = \bf{r - r'}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



re aranging the equation above for rho

[tex]\epsilon_o \nabla . \bf{E} = \rho[/tex]

I know i can use the partial derivative of the vector r for the divergence instead of the traditional partial derivative of x,y,z

[tex]\epsilon_o \frac{\partial}{\partial r} . \bf{E} = \rho[/tex]
substituting in the given E, kr^3 into E

[tex]\epsilon_o \frac{\partial}{\partial r} . (k r^3) = \rho[/tex]

computing the derivative d/dr of r I get,

[tex]\epsilon_0 3kr^2[/tex]

-

NOW THIS IS WHERE I NEED HELP FOR THE FIRST QUESTION

I've been told that the answer is [tex]5\epsilon_0 kr^2[/tex]
can someone please tell me how they got to that?
i'm missing a factor of 2?

-

(b):
using gauss's law,

[tex]\oint \bf{E} . d\bf{a} = \frac{1}{\epsilon_o} Qenc[/tex]
where Qenc is the enclosed charge within the surface/shape/sphere

solving for Qenc,
[tex]\epsilon_o \oint \bf{E} . d\bf{a} = Qenc[/tex]
=

[tex]\epsilon_o \oint (kr^3) . da = Qenc[/tex]

because the E field is a constant,
taking it outside of the integral, leaves me with having to integrate the integral over a closed surface da,

and because it's a sphere, the area of the sphere is just 4pir^2 (if i remember correctly)

making the equation end up as

[tex]\epsilon_o (kr^3) . (4\pi r^2) = Qenc[/tex]
leaving the final charge contained in the sphere to be

[tex]4\pi \epsilon_o k r^5[/tex]

- The question asks me to find this equation in two different ways,
I've found it using the only way I know how, using gauss's law
can someone help me think of a different way to find this equation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
vorcil said:
I know i can use the partial derivative of the vector r for the divergence instead of the traditional partial derivative of x,y,z
How do you know that? Because you can't. Look up the definition of divergence in spherical coordinates.

For the other part, try finding it from the charge density you calculated in part (a). (That would be a good way to check your calculations, if you hadn't been given the answer)
 
[tex]\vec{r}=rsin\Theta cos\varphi\vec{e}_x+rsin\Theta sin\varphi\vec{e}_y+rcos\Theta\vec{e}_z[/tex]
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
11K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K