Finding E field inside a sphere with charge proportional to radius

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field inside a sphere with a charge density proportional to the radius, expressed as ρ = kr. By applying Gauss' law, the surface integral for a sphere of radius R is derived, leading to the formula E(R) = kR²/(4ε₀). The user successfully solved the problem by integrating the charge density over the volume of the sphere and utilizing spherical coordinates for the calculations.

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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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