Electric field just beyond surface of proton

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The electric field just beyond the surface of a proton, modeled as a uniform sphere of charge with a radius of 1.0 x 10-15 m, can be calculated using the equation E = (1/4πE0)(Q/r2). In this equation, E0 is the permittivity of free space, valued at 8.85 x 10-12 F/m, and Q represents the charge of the proton, which is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to that of an electron. The solution is derived from Gauss's law, confirming the applicability of this approach for calculating electric fields around uniformly charged spheres.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's law
  • Familiarity with electric field equations
  • Knowledge of the properties of protons and electrons
  • Basic concepts of electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Gauss's law in electrostatics
  • Explore the implications of electric fields around charged spheres
  • Learn about the behavior of electric fields in different geometries
  • Investigate the relationship between charge, electric field, and potential energy
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding electric fields related to charged particles like protons.

winterwind
Messages
28
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



If a proton is considered a uniform ball of charge of radius 1.0x10-15m, what is the
electric field just beyond its surface?


Homework Equations



Gauss's law?

The Attempt at a Solution



I followed a problem in the book that found an equation for the electric field of a uniformly charged sphere. I treated the proton as a uniform sphere of charge, so that the same equation could be applied.

The equation was E = (1/4piE0)(Q/r^2)

*E0 is constant 8.85 x 10^-12.

So I just plugged in charge of electron and radius r of the proton.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
That looks fine. The result can of course be derived from Gauss' law. Remember that a proton has the same magnitude of charge as an electron but different sign.
 

Similar threads

Induced charge on a conducting sphere sliced by a plane
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
The time for a proton to reach a certain velocity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Flux of Electric field through sphere
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Earthing of two parallel conducting plates
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Electric field external to Conducting Hollow Sphere with charge inside
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
(Help) Surface charge density (σ) for particle to hit plate...
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Electric Field Inside a Gaussian Surface with Point Charge q
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Understanding the Electric Field of a Charged Sphere
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Electric Field Inside Cylindrical Capacitor
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K