Electromagnetic fields: Eletric potential inside a non conductive sphere

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electric potential inside a non-conductive sphere of radius 'a' at a distance 'r' from the center, where 0 < r < a. The user is attempting to apply the equation for electric potential, specifically using the integral form of the electric field, but is confused about the limits of integration. The correct approach involves recognizing that the electric field inside the sphere is uniform and that the potential difference should be calculated from the surface to the point inside the sphere, leading to the conclusion that the first integral should equal zero.

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  • Concept of non-conductive materials in electrostatics
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  • Learn about the properties of electric fields in non-conductive materials
  • Explore the application of line integrals in calculating electric potential
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GhostStudent
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Homework Statement



Hello all;
i am trying to calculate the potential, inside a non conductive sphere of radius equal to a, in a point at a distance r from the center of the sphere.

Homework Equations


i know that:
lLXjw.png

where E and s are vectors;
and that the Eletric field inside the sphere is:
bLOuE.png



The Attempt at a Solution



since the distance r is:
0<r<a
i changed the limits so that:
HaUIV.png


but here comes the part were i am stuck:
i found:
ltF89.png

but the correct answer, so far, should be
g3KkV.png

which means that the first integral [
QHClG.png
] should be equal to zero, but i can't seem to understand why

thx in advance.
p.s.:
please tell me if the images are not showing up.
 
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It is not clear why you have two line integrals. You should use

[tex]\varphi(r)-\varphi(a)=-\int^{r}_{a}\vec{E}\cdot \vec{ds}[/tex]
 
i guess i was thinking more on terms of the path i should take, that's why my first integral ranges from 0 to a (size of the sphere), but since r is greater than 0 and smaller than a (because its inside the sphere, away from both the center and the surface) i changed the ranges.

dont know if i made it clear or not.

also, i was going to apply that equation, like you said, directly, but when my teacher demonstrated a similar problem in class, he also used those limits, so i guess i got a little mixed up.

thx man
 

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