Find charge inner/hollow sphere

  • Thread starter Thread starter g98
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Charge Sphere
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the charges of a hollow conducting sphere and a smaller inner sphere using Gauss's Law. The hollow sphere has an inner radius of 5 cm and an outer radius of 6 cm, with a smaller sphere of radius 3 cm inside. The electric field strength at 4 cm from the center is 2400 N/C (inward), and at 20 cm, it is 300 N/C (outward). By applying Gauss's Law, the charge on the inner sphere is determined to be Q, while the inner surface of the hollow sphere carries a charge of -Q.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law
  • Familiarity with electric field concepts
  • Knowledge of spherical symmetry in electrostatics
  • Basic skills in solving algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the applications of Gauss's Law in different geometries
  • Learn about electric field calculations for spherical charge distributions
  • Explore the concept of electric flux and its relation to charge
  • Investigate the properties of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone studying electrostatics, particularly those interested in applying Gauss's Law to solve problems involving spherical charge distributions.

g98
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A hollow conducting sphere with an inner radius of 5 cm and an outer radius of 6 cm contains a smaller sphere of radius 3 cm, located symmetrically inside the hollow sphere. The electric field strength at 4 cm from the center is measured to be 2400 N/C pointing inward. The electric field strength at 20 cm from the center is determined at 300 N/C pointing away from the spheres. Use this information to determine: a. the charge on the inner sphere b. the charge on the hollow sphere

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I have to use the gauss's law but I am not quite sure how to do it
 
Physics news on Phys.org
g98 said:

Homework Statement


A hollow conducting sphere with an inner radius of 5 cm and an outer radius of 6 cm contains a smaller sphere of radius 3 cm, located symmetrically inside the hollow sphere. The electric field strength at 4 cm from the center is measured to be 2400 N/C pointing inward. The electric field strength at 20 cm from the center is determined at 300 N/C pointing away from the spheres. Use this information to determine: a. the charge on the inner sphere b. the charge on the hollow sphere

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I have to use the gauss's law but I am not quite sure how to do it
You have to show some attempt at solving the problem. What does Gauss' Law state?
 
Consider first a gaussian surface of radius ##r## cm with ##3\lt r\lt 5##, and try to apply gauss's law. Also note that if ##Q## be the charge of the inner sphere, the inner surface of the spherical shell must have charge ##-Q##.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K