Electrostatics - probably a standard question

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in electrostatics involving a solid non-conducting sphere with a non-uniform charge distribution. The original poster seeks assistance with finding the electric field inside the sphere after successfully determining the total charge on the sphere.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their approach to the first part of the problem, indicating they used integration to find the total charge. They express uncertainty about how to proceed with the second part regarding the electric field, suggesting a need for further ideas. Some participants question the correctness of the first part's result, while others assert the presence of spherical symmetry.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of Gauss' theorem and the need for integration to find the electric field, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the charge distribution's non-uniformity and its effect on symmetry considerations in applying Gauss' theorem. There are indications of differing opinions on the validity of the initial calculations presented by the original poster.

exuberant.me
Messages
29
Reaction score
1
Q) A solid non-conducting sphere of radius R carries non-uniform charge distribution with charge density ρ = ρs(r/R), where ρs is a constant. Show that
(a) the total charge on the sphere is Q = ∏ρsR3, and
(b) find the electric field inside the sphere.

Now first part (a) is fairly easy,
assumed a sphere of radius x and then after further integration got the result

But i need an idea for the second part..
since there is no symmetry so "Gauss" theorem is of no use applying...
I think i need an integration there as well. But can someone provide me an idea on how to continue further. Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
since there is no symmetry so "Gauss" theorem is of no use applying...
There is a spherical symmetry.
 
How did you get the answer to part a. It seems incorrect to me.
 
Never mind, I got it.
 
barryj said:
Never mind, I got it.

what about the electric field?
 
exuberant.me said:
what about the electric field?

Use Gauss' theorem. Find the charge enclosed in a radius r'<R. Use integration.
 

Similar threads

Induced charge on a conducting sphere sliced by a plane
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
What does having 3d symmetry 2d symmetry and 1d symmetry mean?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
Electric field lines outside a neutral conducting spherical shell
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Investigating the Charge Distribution on a Bulging Sphere
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
How Do You Calculate Charge Density in a Uniform Sphere?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Electrostatic force on a test charge by uniformly charged annular disc
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
896
Electrostatics: "Compressing" Charged Spherical Shell
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
Electric potential due to shell containing a charge at an offset outside
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Electric field in the Spherical Cavity
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
V(center) of charged metal sphere inside a grounded shell
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K