Finding E fields and potential given a hollow spherical conductor

AI Thread Summary
To find the electric 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 at its center, the net charge on the conductor must be considered. According to Gauss's law, the electric field outside a conductor only depends on the total charge enclosed, which includes both the conductor's charge and the point charge. The charge on the inner surface of the conductor will adjust to neutralize the point charge, resulting in an effective charge of 21.5 μC for calculating the electric field at the specified distance. Therefore, the formula E = k * 21.5μC / (8.0 cm)^2 is appropriate for this scenario. Understanding the distribution of charge is crucial for accurate calculations.
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?
 
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