Electric field of a non-conducting sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the electric field of a solid non-conducting sphere with a uniform charge density at two different radial distances, specifically at R/4 and 2R. The context is rooted in electrostatics and the application of Gauss's Law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Gauss's Law to find the electric field at the specified distances but expresses confusion about the mathematical simplifications involved. Some participants suggest re-evaluating the enclosed charge based on the uniform charge density and its implications for different radial distances.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing hints and guidance on how to approach the calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between charge density and the enclosed charge, particularly in the context of different radial distances.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted uncertainty regarding the calculations and assumptions about the enclosed charge at varying distances from the center of the sphere. The original poster acknowledges feeling lost in the mathematical process, indicating a need for clarification on the application of Gauss's Law in this scenario.

TishBass
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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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