Electric field of a non-conducting sphere

AI Thread Summary
A solid non-conducting sphere with uniform charge density has its electric field calculated at two radial distances: R/4 and 2R. At R/4, the electric field magnitude is E0, derived using Gauss's Law and the enclosed charge. For the distance of 2R, the enclosed charge changes, leading to a different electric field calculation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly accounting for the charge density and the varying enclosed charge at different distances. Clarification on the calculations and understanding of Gauss's Law is sought to resolve the confusion in determining the electric field at 2R.
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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