Electric Field inside a solid of uniform charge density

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SUMMARY

The electric field inside a solid with uniform charge density is determined using Gauss' Law, which states that the electric field within the volume of the solid is zero. This conclusion arises from the spherical symmetry of the charge distribution, where the repulsive forces among charges do not allow them to move, maintaining a uniform distribution. The misunderstanding often lies in confusing insulators with conductors; in this case, the uniform charge density implies that the electric field inside the solid remains constant and equal to zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss' Law
  • Familiarity with electric fields and charge distributions
  • Knowledge of spherical symmetry in electrostatics
  • Basic calculus for evaluating integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Gauss' Law in different charge configurations
  • Explore the concept of electric fields in conductors versus insulators
  • Learn about spherical symmetry and its applications in electrostatics
  • Investigate the mathematical techniques for evaluating limits under integral signs
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone studying electrostatics and electric fields in solid materials.

Sistine
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Homework Statement


What is the electric field inside a a solid of uniform chage density
i.e.

[tex]\mathbf{E}(\mathbf{r})=\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}\int_V\rho(\mathbf{r}')\frac{\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}'}{|\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}'|}dV'[/tex]

What is the electric field at [tex]\mathbf{r}'=\mathbf{r}[/tex] if [tex]\mathbf{r}\in V[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I tried taking the limit as [tex]\mathbf{r}\to \mathbf{r}'[/tex] of [tex]\mathbf{E}(\mathbf{r})[/tex]. Can we then take the limit under the integral sign? I tried using Riemannian sums to prove this but still I'm not sure. I then got that [tex]\mathbf{E}(\mathbf{r}')=\infty[/tex] but I don't think that this is correct.
 
Last edited:
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I have thought again about the problem. I know that all the charge within the solid will work to repel itself so that the all the charge tends towards the surface. So that by Gauss' law the electric field within the surface is zero. But I still don't know what the electric field will be on the surface.
 
Sistine said:
... a solid of uniform chage density ...

Sistine said:
I know that all the charge within the solid will work to repel itself so that the all the charge tends towards the surface. So that by Gauss' law the electric field within the surface is zero.

It doesn't matter that the charge repels itself. If it is prevented from moving, then it cannot go to the surface. You are given that the charge density is uniform, thus requiring you to deal with charge inside the surface. You are trying to apply the concept of an electrical conductor to an insulator.

However, you are on to something. Think more about Gauss' Law, and spherical symmetry, specifically when you have charge inside the surface.
 

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