How Does Electric Flux Calculation Apply to Complex Fields and Geometries?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating electric flux in the context of two distinct problems involving complex geometries: a cube in a non-uniform electric field and two concentric conducting spheres with charges. The participants are exploring how to apply the concept of electric flux to these scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the electric flux equation to the first problem but expresses confusion regarding the variable nature of the electric field and the appropriate surface area calculation for the cube. For the second problem, there is uncertainty about the relationship between the two spheres and how to approach the charge distribution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have referenced external threads for additional guidance, while others are seeking hints and clarifications regarding the electric field within the conducting materials of the spheres. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts without a clear consensus on the solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of non-uniform electric fields and the behavior of electric fields within conducting materials, indicating potential gaps in understanding these concepts. The original poster's questions reflect imposed homework constraints and the need for deeper conceptual clarity.

psysicsfeet
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Homework Statement


1)
A large cube has its bottom face on the x-z plane and its back face on the x-y plane. The corners on the x-axis are at (3.39 m,0,0) and (12.3 m,0,0). The cube is immersed in an electric field pointing in the positive x-direction, and given by:

E = (91.2x^2 - 2.9)i, x is the distance along the x-axis in m, and E is in N/C.

Find the net charge Q inside the cube, in μC.

2)
There are two hollow, conducting, concentric spheres, with air between the spheres:

-Sphere 1 is the inner sphere; it has inner radius a = 2.35 mm, outer radius b = 8.53 mm, and carries charge Q1 = -8.41 pC.

- Sphere 2 is the outer sphere; it has inner radius c = 3.58 cm, outer radius d = 7.92 cm, and carries charge Q2 = 5.84 pC.

- At the common center is point charge Q = -7.21 pC.

Find the charge on the outer surface of sphere 2, in pC.

Homework Equations


∮E*dA = Q/E0

The Attempt at a Solution


Q 1) I try to use equation ∮E*dA = Q/E0 to solve first question, but what I am confusing is the variable E is not a constant, should I plug in the value of x to solve it? and for the surface area since it is a cube, I should count as 6r^2? r is the slice length of the cube.
Q 2) I guess it is a simple question but I just can not figure out the relationship between two spheres.

thank you for help.
 
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psysicsfeet said:
thank you SammyS. can you give me some hints for second question?
What is the electric field within the conducting material itself?
 
SammyS said:
What is the electric field within the conducting material itself?
within the conducting material itself. do you mean inside the inner radius of inner cycle? is it kQ/a^2?
 
psysicsfeet said:
within the conducting material itself. do you mean inside the inner radius of inner cycle? is it kQ/a^2?
I mean: within the conducting material itself, for either of the shells in this problem.
 

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