Find electric potential of field inside and outside nucleus

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves deriving the expression for the electrostatic potential energy of an electron in the field of a finite nucleus with charge +Ze and radius defined by ##R=r_0A^{1/3}##. The discussion centers around the potential both outside and inside the nucleus, utilizing concepts from electrostatics and Gauss' law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Gauss' law to find the electric field inside the nucleus and question how to derive the potential from the electric field. There is also mention of ensuring continuity of potential at the boundary of the nucleus.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants confirming the need to integrate the electric field to find the potential. There is an acknowledgment of the requirement for continuity of potential at the boundary, indicating a productive direction in the conversation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption of a uniform charge density within the nucleus and are exploring the implications of this on the potential calculations. There is an emphasis on the need for clarity in the integration process and the continuity condition at the boundary of the nucleus.

vbrasic
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Homework Statement


Derive following expression for the electrostatic potential energy of an electron in the field of a finite nucleus of charge, ##+Ze##, and radius, ##R=r_0A^{1/3}##, where ##r_0## is a constant. (Charge density is constant.)

The potential we are asked to derive is:
$$
V(r) = \begin{cases}
\frac{-Ze^2}{r} & \text{if } r>R\\
\frac{Ze^2}{R}(\frac{r^2}{2R^2}-\frac{3}{2}) & \text{if } r<R
\end{cases}.
$$

Homework Equations


Gauss' law.

The Attempt at a Solution


Naturally, for ##r>R##, we approximate the nucleus as being point-like, with electric field of magnitude, $$\frac{Ze}{4\pi\epsilon_0r^2}.$$ I'm not sure how to find potential, though physical intuition suggests it's just the standard Coulomb potential.

However, inside the nucleus we use Gauss' law. We have that the charge enclosed is ##Q_{enc}=Ze\frac{r^3}{R^3}##, for a uniform charge density. Then using Gauss' law, we have, $$\int |E|da=Ze\frac{r^3}{R^3\epsilon_0}\rightarrow |E|=Ze\frac{r}{4\pi\epsilon_0R^3}$$ directed radially, such that, $$E=Ze\frac{r}{4\pi\epsilon_0R^3}\hat{r}.$$ I'm not sure how to get potential from here, or exactly what integral I'm supposed to use to get the derived potential above.
 
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Same integral as outside the sphere ... :rolleyes:
And at R the potential has to be continuous.
 
BvU said:
Same integral as outside the sphere ... :rolleyes:
And at R the potential has to be continuous.
So essentially all I have to do is first integrate from infinity to R, and then from R to r?
 
I am surprised you have to ask. Yes ! Exactly !
 

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