Electric Field Lines and Net Charge Determination for a Grounded Metal Sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a grounded metal sphere placed within a uniform electric field, focusing on the behavior of electric field lines and the determination of the sphere's net charge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the behavior of electric field lines in relation to the sphere's surface and grounding effects. Questions arise about the nature of the sphere (hollow vs. solid) and the implications of grounding on charge distribution.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the effects of grounding on the charge distribution of the sphere, with some suggesting that grounding may allow electrons to enter the sphere, potentially leading to a negative charge. There is an ongoing examination of the assumptions regarding the sphere's structure and the resulting electric field behavior.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding whether the sphere is hollow or solid, which may influence the discussion on charge distribution and electric field lines. Participants are also considering the implications of grounding on the sphere's charge state.

ENGRstudent00
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Homework Statement



A grounded metal sphere is placed inside an original uniform electric field. Complete the electric field lines and determine the total net charge on the metal sphere (zero/pos or neg).
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The Attempt at a Solution


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I was thinking the electric field lines would enter then exit the sphere perpendicular to the sphere's surface. So i thought the total net charge would then be zero.

Any help, thoughts, or guidence?
 
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You got the field lines being perpendicular right --- if the sphere is grounded from the left, then the charges that lean towards the left (in this, positive charges) will promote a voltage difference with the ground; so there is a good chance the sphere will be left with some charge.
 
Is this a hollow or a solid metal sphere?

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Is this a hollow or a solid metal sphere?

AM
My understanding is that this is a hollow sphere.


I pretty sure that when an uncharged conductor is placed in an electric field, the electric field lines will look like i drew above, making the charges move left, thus making the object polarized. I just don't know/understand what effect grounding the object does to the object or the electric field lines.

Thanks!
 
Gear300 said:
You got the field lines being perpendicular right --- if the sphere is grounded from the left, then the charges that lean towards the left (in this, positive charges) will promote a voltage difference with the ground; so there is a good chance the sphere will be left with some charge.


So, with the charges moving left making the object's right side positive, would the ground give the object more charges to offset the positives on the right?
 
ENGRstudent00 said:
So, with the charges moving left making the object's right side positive, would the ground give the object more charges to offset the positives on the right?

Yup...the potential difference with the ground would allow electrons to move into the sphere and offset the positive charge distribution. This would leave the sphere with a negative charge distribution.
 

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