Finding E field inside a sphere with charge proportional to radius

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the electric field inside a sphere with a charge density proportional to the radius, expressed as ρ = kr. The user initially struggles with integrating the charge density in spherical coordinates but eventually resolves the problem by applying Gauss' law. The electric field is determined to depend solely on the radius, leading to the conclusion that E(R) = kR²/(4ε). The solution highlights the symmetry of the problem and the relationship between charge and electric field within the sphere. The thread concludes with the user successfully solving the problem after consulting related resources.
Vapor88
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First time poster here! EDIT: SOLVED!

Thanks, I figured out from the related links at the bottom of the page. >_>b

Homework Statement


Find the electric field inside a sphere which carries a charge density proportional
to the distance from the origin, \rho = kr, for some constant k.

Homework Equations


\oint E.da
a = 4 \pi r^2/3
da = 4 \pi r^2
\rho = kr
E = q/(r^2 4 \pi \epsilon _0)
Where q = charge inside

The Attempt at a Solution


\oint E \bullet da = \int q/(r^2 4 \pi \epsilon _0) \bullet 4 \pi r^2

The 4 pi r^2 terms cancel, leaving on the right

q/ \epsilon_0

Substitute rho into the eqn. as to integrate all dimensions of the sphere

\int \rho d \tau / \epsilon_0

Here's where I get stuck, I know that

\rho = kr

What do I do with d \tau? I'd imagine that it'd be easiest to do in spherical coordinates, so do I just add dr, dtheta, drho?

Also... How do I put a dot into this LaTex thing?

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
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You do not know the electric field, but you can calculate it by applying Gauss' law.

Because of symmetry, E depends only on r and is the same along a sphere of radius R. The surface integral for a sphere of radius R is equal to Q/epszilon, where Q is the charge confined inside the sphere

4 \pi R^2 E(R) = \frac{4 \pi}{\epsilon}\int_0^R{kr*r^2dr=\frac{4\pi}{\epsilon}k R^4/4 \rightarrow E(R)=\frac{kR^2}{4\epsilon}

ehild
 
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