Electric field inside a charged sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the electric field characteristics of charged spheres, specifically comparing charged conducting spheres and uniformly charged spheres. Participants explore the distribution of charge in these configurations and the implications for the electric field inside the spheres.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question why charge does not move to the surface in a uniformly charged conducting sphere, contrasting it with a charged conducting sphere where charge resides on the surface. There are inquiries about the implications of Gaussian surfaces within these spheres and the nature of the electric field inside.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking clarification on the differences between the two types of spheres. Some have acknowledged misunderstandings regarding the terminology used, indicating a productive exchange of ideas without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the definitions of "uniformly charged sphere" versus "uniformly charged conducting sphere," which may affect the understanding of charge distribution and electric fields in these contexts.

Geocentric
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Homework Statement


In the case of charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge entirely resides on the surface because it always tries to cancel the field inside by moving to the surface. But in the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume. What I don't understand is that, why doesn't the charge move to the surface as in the case of a charged conducting sphere? If so, how do we get the charges placed for obtaining these 2 different configurations?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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But in the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume. What I don't understand is that, why doesn't the charge move to the surface as in the case of a charged conducting sphere?

Did you really mean this?:smile:
 
aim1732 said:
Did you really mean this?:smile:

If a gaussian surface is constructed within the uniformly charged sphere, the electric field is not zero. So, there is charge not only on the surface but also inside. Isn't that true?
 
But in the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume.
This?
 
aim1732 said:
This?

Could you please clarify what you intend to say?
 
Geocentric said:
In the case of charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge entirely resides on the surface because it always tries to cancel the field inside by moving to the surface. But in the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume. What I don't understand is that, why doesn't the charge move to the surface as in the case of a charged conducting sphere? If so, how do we get the charges placed for obtaining these 2 different configurations?

What I think aim1732 is trying to say is: Why do you think you can have a uniformly charged conducting sphere?
 
I misunderstood the uniformly charged sphere as uniformly charged conducting sphere. Thanks guys.
 
That's correct!
 

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