Electrostatics charge density

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the charge density as a function of the radial distance \( r \) given an electrostatic field. The original poster expresses uncertainty regarding their method and the interpretation of certain symbols in their problem statement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the correctness of their method for solving for charge density, seeks simplification options, and inquires about the nature of the constant \( E_0 \). Other participants clarify the interpretation of the vector \( \vec{r} \) and discuss the use of divergence in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's questions, providing clarifications and confirming aspects of the approach. There is no explicit consensus on the final answer or method, but some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of symbols and the mathematical operations involved.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided a visual representation of the problem, which may limit the discussion to the information presented in the image. There is ambiguity regarding the nature of the constant \( E_0 \), which remains a point of inquiry.

twotaileddemon
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Homework Statement



I didn't know how to display a lot of the symbols, so I wrote the problem out in microsoft word, took a screenshot, uploaded it to photobucket, and linked it.
Basically, I have to find the charge density as a function of r given the electrostatic field in the image. Any constants are positive. Bold means it's a vector; ignore the green underline; the del function is upside down - sorry about that.
aphysicswork.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v696/talimtails/aphysicswork.jpg

My questions are..
1: Is my work method correct? i.e. is this how you solve for charge density?
2. Is there a way to simplify it more?
3. Is E0 a constant or not? The problem doesn't really say and is ambiguous to me. If it's not, how should I approach it? Thanks.
In all cases... please don't tell me if my answer is right or wrong. YES/NO answers are very much appreciated.

Homework Equations


Relevant equations I used in the image

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt is in the image. ^_^
 
Last edited:
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First, is the vector \vec{r} in E meant to be the *unit* vector in the r-direction, or not?
 
Last edited:
Not the gradient, but the divergence. You cannot take the gradient of a vector field.

1. The approach is correct.

2. I don't think your final answer can be simplified, but I haven't checked your math.

3. I think you can assume that E0 is constant, no reason to expect it not to be. If it is not, you have to know how it varies with r, theta and phi.
 
Yes, r at the end in bold is the radial unit vector
I took the divergence of E and assumed spherical for the vector derivative

Thanks for your help!
 

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