Find the charge density inside a solid insulating sphere?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the charge density inside a solid insulating sphere with a radius of 0.381m and an electric field of 1630 N/C at a distance of 0.143m from its surface. The charge density can be derived from the relationship between the electric field and the charge density, utilizing the formula E=Cr, where C is determined to be 4278.22 N/(C*m). Additionally, the electric field inside the sphere at a distance of 0.237m from the center can be calculated using the ratio E1/E2 = r1/r2, although the initial attempt yielded an incorrect result of 737.2 N/C.

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  • Understanding of electric fields and charge density
  • Familiarity with the formula E=Cr
  • Knowledge of Gaussian surfaces in electrostatics
  • Ability to manipulate ratios in physics equations
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  • Learn about Gaussian surfaces and their applications in electrostatics
  • Explore the relationship between electric field strength and distance from charged objects
  • Investigate the implications of uniform charge distribution in insulating materials
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hockey
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Homework Statement


The electric field at a distance of 0.143m from the surface of a solid insulating sphere with radius 0.381m is 1630N/C .

a) Assuming the sphere's charge is uniformly distributed, what is the charge density inside it?

b) Calculate the electric field inside the sphere at a distance of 0.237m from the center.


Homework Equations


E1/E2 = r1/r2
E = Cr

The Attempt at a Solution



a) I know that the electric field for part a can be found by using the formula E=Cr, so I can get C = 4278.22 N/(C*m). I know that the charge density is a factor of C, but I do not know the actual formula for it.

b) This should be able to be solved with the ratio E1/E2 = r1/r2, and when I solve for E2 I get a result of 737.2 N/C. This result is not correct, but I am not sure if the problem is in my ratio.
 
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hockey said:
a) I know that the electric field for part a can be found by using the formula E=Cr, so I can get C = 4278.22 N/(C*m). I know that the charge density is a factor of C, but I do not know the actual formula for it.
You can figure it out though. Hint: what are the units of charge density?

b) This should be able to be solved with the ratio E1/E2 = r1/r2, and when I solve for E2 I get a result of 737.2 N/C. This result is not correct, but I am not sure if the problem is in my ratio.
Write out the equation for E1 and E2 separately, then find E1/E2.
 
a) 1. figure out what total charge Q is for an E field at the specified location.
2. Q = volumetric charge density x volume gives you charge density.

b) 1. Use Gaussian surface.
 

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