Field inside a charged sphere

In summary, using Gauss law and assuming a spherical Gaussian surface, the magnitude of electric field inside a charged non-conducting sphere can be found. The direction of the field can be determined if the charge distribution is spherically symmetric, as it would be radial. However, the charges inside a non-conducting sphere would not start moving due to the presence of an electric field.
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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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1. What is the electric field inside a charged sphere and how is it calculated?

The electric field inside a charged sphere is the force exerted on a unit charge at any point inside the sphere. It is calculated using the equation E = kQr/R^3, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the sphere, r is the distance from the center of the sphere, and R is the radius of the sphere.

2. Does the electric field inside a charged sphere depend on the location inside the sphere?

No, the electric field inside a charged sphere is spherically symmetric, meaning it is the same at any point inside the sphere regardless of the location.

3. How does the electric field inside a charged sphere compare to the electric field outside the sphere?

The electric field inside a charged sphere is stronger than the electric field outside the sphere. This is because the electric field inside the sphere is influenced by the charge of the entire sphere, while the electric field outside the sphere is only influenced by the charge on the surface.

4. Can the electric field inside a charged sphere be zero?

Yes, the electric field inside a charged sphere can be zero at the center of the sphere. This is because at the center, the distance from any point on the surface of the sphere is equal, resulting in a cancellation of the electric field vectors.

5. How does the electric field inside a charged conducting sphere differ from a charged non-conducting sphere?

In a charged conducting sphere, the electric field inside the sphere is zero. This is due to the charges on the surface of the sphere redistributing themselves in such a way that the electric field inside the sphere is canceled out. In a charged non-conducting sphere, the electric field inside the sphere is not zero and follows the same equation as a charged conducting sphere.

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