Electric field of a non-conducting sphere

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field of a solid non-conducting sphere with uniform charge density using Gauss's Law. At a radial distance of r1 = R/4, the electric field magnitude is E0. The challenge arises when determining the electric field at r2 = 2R, where the enclosed charge must be expressed in terms of charge density (ρ). The correct approach involves calculating the enclosed charge for both distances and applying the appropriate equations, leading to the conclusion that the electric field at 2R is E = (ρ3ϖR3)/(8ϖR2 ε0).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law and its application in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with charge density and its relation to electric fields
  • Knowledge of spherical geometry and volume calculations
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions and equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields using Gauss's Law in various geometries
  • Learn about charge density calculations in electrostatics
  • Explore the implications of uniform charge distribution on electric fields
  • Investigate the relationship between enclosed charge and electric field strength
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields generated by non-conducting materials.

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Homework Statement


A solid non-conducting sphere of radius R carries a uniform charge density. At a radial distance r1= R/4 the electric field has a magnitude Eo. What is the magnitude of the electric field at a radial distance r2=2R?

Homework Equations


Gauss's Law: ∫EdA=Qencl / ε0
Charge density = Q/V
Volume of a sphere = 4/3ϖR3

The Attempt at a Solution


For R/4: ∫EdA=Qencl / ε0 = 1/(4ϖε0)(Q/R3) (R/4) = E0
for 2R: ∫EdA=Qencl / ε0 = 1/(4ϖε0)(Q/ [2R]2)

So for R/4, it simplifies to 1/(4ϖε0)(Q/4R2). I know the answer is E0 so i guess 2R simplifies to 1/(4ϖε0)(Q/ 4R2) and everything cancels to leave E0.

However, I feel like I'm lost in the math at this point. If I'm right, could someone explain the math and if I'm wrong could someone just point me in the right direction?
 
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You've got the wrong answer. Here's a hint to point you in the right direction: The charge density is the same at every point. However, the enclosed charge is not the same over every enclosed surface, so you may want to write your charge in terms of this invariant charge density, you can call it ##\rho##. For the case you know, try solving for rho. Then, solve for the case where you don't know E -- bearing in mind the definition of ##dA##, and ##Q_{encl}##.
 
So, solving for Q in terms of ρ for the first case, I get Q = ρ3ϖR3
I plug this into the case I don't know, 2R, and I end up with E = (ρ3ϖR3)/(8ϖR2 ε0)
I know I'm making an easy mistake but I can't pin down what it is.
 
How much charge is enclosed at 2R vs 1R?
 

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