Electric field inside non conducting sphere

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the electric field inside a non-conducting sphere, specifically addressing a discrepancy in the answer provided in a textbook. The correct answer for part b is confirmed to be 1.96 x 105 N/m, with the primary issue identified as an error in the book rather than a unit conversion mistake. Participants emphasize the importance of maintaining consistent units, particularly noting the correct notation of Cm-3 instead of cm3. The conversation highlights the necessity of careful unit management in physics calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and their calculations
  • Familiarity with non-conducting materials in electrostatics
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly between centimeters and meters
  • Proficiency in interpreting scientific notation and units
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of electric fields in non-conducting spheres
  • Study the implications of unit consistency in physics problems
  • Learn about common errors in textbook solutions and how to identify them
  • Explore advanced topics in electrostatics, such as Gauss's Law
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, educators teaching physics concepts, and anyone involved in solving electric field problems in non-conducting materials.

Fluxthroughme
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My book tells me the answer to part b is 1.96*10^5, but I fail to see where I have gone wrong with this?
 
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There are many units missing, or wrong units. I would guess one cm<->m-conversion went wrong, but it is hard to tell if you do not add units.
 
mfb said:
There are many units missing, or wrong units. I would guess one cm<->m-conversion went wrong, but it is hard to tell if you do not add units.

Fair comment about the units. I don't bother to add them in when I'm doing questions like this until I get something wrong, or if I'm presenting it in, say, an exam. However this clearly wasn't an issue of unit conversion, because there are none. All the given figures are in metres, they stay in metres, and the answer at the end has units of N/m.
 
Oh, I read Cm3 as cm3. Anyway, it should be Cm-3.

I can confirm (b) with a direct approach, it is an error in the book.
 
mfb said:
Oh, I read Cm3 as cm3. Anyway, it should be Cm-3.

I can confirm (b) with a direct approach, it is an error in the book.

I'm terrible with missing minus signs: sorry about that. Thank you for confirming it.
 

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