Electrostatic equilibrium and Gauss' law

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion on electrostatic equilibrium and Gauss' law, a conducting spherical shell with inner radius a and outer radius b carries a net charge Q, while a point charge q is placed at its center. The initial reasoning for the surface charge density on the inner surface was based on applying Gauss' law, leading to the equation E = q/(4*pi*a^2*epsilon). However, it was noted that this approach neglected the net charge Q of the shell, which also influences charge distribution. The correct method involves considering both the induced charge from the point charge q and the net charge Q, requiring a reevaluation of the surface charge densities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accounting for all charges present when determining electrostatic conditions.
Kenny Lee
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A conducting spherical shell of ineer radius a and outer radius b carries a net charge Q. A point charge q is placed at the center of this shell. Determine the surface charge densit on (a) the ineer surface of the shell and (b) the outer surface of the shell.

I'm not sure of my reasoning. For part (a), I argued that at the inner surface
E = q/ (4*pi*a^2*epsilon) from Gauss' law.

And equated that to the formula for electric field, right outside a conductor in electro-static equilibrium i.e.
E = (surface charge density)/ epsilon.

So I get q/ (4*pi*a^2). Is that correct? If not, what would the correct method be.

Any advice pls. Thanks.

PS I apologize for the ugly equations. Still learning how to use the equation editor...
 
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A charge q would induced an equal and opposite charge on the inner surface of a 'conducting' sphere, and the same charge on the outer surface. The areas are different.

However, the sphere also has a net charge Q. How would this be distributed.

And then think of superposition.
 
Thanks. So my answer was wrong? Yea, come to think of it, I only accounted for the charge q and not the sphere...I'll have another go at it.
 
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