Find the charge on the conducting surface

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the charge on the conducting surface of a shell, specifically focusing on the inner and outer surfaces. The subject area pertains to electrostatics and charge distribution in conductors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the charge on the inner surface of the shell and are discussing the implications of using Gaussian surfaces to analyze the charge distribution. Questions are raised about the net charge contained within the Gaussian surface and the electric field within the conducting material.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing different values for the charge on the inner surface and questioning the reasoning behind these values. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of Gaussian surfaces, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct charge values yet.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of Gauss's law and the assumptions about charge distribution within the conducting material. Participants are also reflecting on the implications of the electric field within the conductor.

Fatima Hasan
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Homework Statement


screenshot_57.png


Homework Equations


##Q_{net}=Q_1+Q2##

The Attempt at a Solution


##Q_{net}=Q_1+Q2##
##-15 = +5 + Q_2##
##Q_2=-15-5 = -20nC##
 

Attachments

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What's the charge on the inner surface of the shell?
 
Doc Al said:
What's the charge on the inner surface of the shell?
##-15 nC##
##5-15=-10 nC##
 
Fatima Hasan said:
##-15 nC##
##5-15=-10 nC##
That's not the charge on the inner surface of the shell. Do this: Imagine a Gaussian surface in the middle of the conducting material. What net charge must it contain?
 
Doc Al said:
That's not the charge on the inner surface of the shell. Do this: Imagine a Gaussian surface in the middle of the conducting material. What net charge must it contain?
##-5 nC## ?
 
Last edited:
Fatima Hasan said:
##-5 nC## ?
No, that's not the net charge within the Gaussian surface. Hint: What's the field within the conducting material?
 
Doc Al said:
No, that's not the net charge within the Gaussian surface. Hint: What's the field within the conducting material?
The charge of the inner surface is ##-15nC##
The charge of the outer surface is ##+5 - 15 = -10 nC##
 
Fatima Hasan said:
The charge of the inner surface is ##-15nC##
How did you determine that?
 

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