Field inside a charged sphere

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the direction of the electric field inside a charged non-conducting sphere using Gauss's Law. It is established that when the charge distribution is spherically symmetric, the electric field direction is radial. Additionally, it is clarified that charges do not move within a non-conducting sphere despite the presence of an electric field, as non-conductors do not allow charge mobility.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law
  • Knowledge of electric fields and charge distributions
  • Familiarity with spherical symmetry in physics
  • Concept of non-conductors in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's Law in various geometries
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their properties
  • Investigate the behavior of electric fields in conductors versus non-conductors
  • Learn about charge distribution and its effects on electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in electrostatics and electric field behavior in non-conducting materials.

Titan97
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What is the direction of field inside a charged non-conducting sphere?
Using gauss law, I can find the magnitude of electric field inside the shell by assuming a spherical Gaussian surface. But how can I find its direction?

Also, if electric field exists inside a charged sphere, wouldn't the charges start moving?
 
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Titan97 said:
Using gauss law, I can find the magnitude of electric field inside the shell by assuming a spherical Gaussian surface. But how can I find its direction?
What's the charge distribution? If the distribution is spherically symmetric, you know the direction of the field must be radial.
Titan97 said:
Also, if electric field exists inside a charged sphere, wouldn't the charges start moving?
Not if it's a non-conductor.
 
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