Finding E fields and potential given a hollow spherical conductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field (E field) at a distance of 8.0 cm from the center of a hollow spherical conductor with a net charge of 21.5 μC and a point charge of -12.2 μC located at its center. The relevant equation used is E = kQ/r², where k is Coulomb's constant. The key point is that the E field outside the conductor is determined solely by the net charge on the conductor, as the point charge does not affect the external field due to the properties of conductors and Gauss's law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and Coulomb's law
  • Familiarity with Gauss's law and its implications for conductors
  • Knowledge of point charges and their effects on electric fields
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations involving electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's law and its applications in electrostatics
  • Learn about electric field calculations for spherical charge distributions
  • Explore the concept of electric potential and its relationship to electric fields
  • Investigate the behavior of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium
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Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields around conductors and point charges.

SeanLikesRice
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Hello, this is my first post here, so hopefully I do this in the right way...


Homework Statement



A hollow spherical conductor carries a net charge of 21.5 μC. The radius of the inner hollow is 5.2 cm and thee full radius of the sphere is 7.8 cm. At the center of the sphere, in the middle of the hollow, is a point charge of -12.2 μC.

Find the E field at a distance of 8.0 cm from the center of the sphere.


Homework Equations



E = \frac{kQ}{r^2}


The Attempt at a Solution



Now when I draw this up in my notebook, I'm a little confused. Since the conductor has a net charge of 21.5 μC, does the point charge of -12.2 μC not matter in terms of finding the E field?

Using the net charge...

E = \frac{k * 21.5μC}{(8.0cm)^2}

Is this correct, or d I have to account for the point charge in the center of the hollow sphere?
 
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Think about the distribution of charge on the conductor. What will the charge be on the inside surface?
 
SeanLikesRice said:
Hello, this is my first post here, so hopefully I do this in the right way...


Homework Statement



A hollow spherical conductor carries a net charge of 21.5 μC. The radius of the inner hollow is 5.2 cm and thee full radius of the sphere is 7.8 cm. At the center of the sphere, in the middle of the hollow, is a point charge of -12.2 μC.

Find the E field at a distance of 8.0 cm from the center of the sphere.


Homework Equations



E = \frac{kQ}{r^2}


The Attempt at a Solution



Now when I draw this up in my notebook, I'm a little confused. Since the conductor has a net charge of 21.5 μC, does the point charge of -12.2 μC not matter in terms of finding the E field?

Using the net charge...

E = \frac{k * 21.5μC}{(8.0cm)^2}

Is this correct, or d I have to account for the point charge in the center of the hollow sphere?

What does Gauss say? Does he say it matters how the charge inside his surface is distributed?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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