Finding electrostatic potential

In summary, to find the energy stored in a solid sphere using the given electric field, we can use the equation ##U=\frac{\epsilon_0}{2} [\int_0^R (k\frac{r^2}{4 \epsilon_0})^2d^3r+\int_R^\infty (k\frac{R^4}{4r^2 \epsilon_0})^2d^3r]##, taking into account the integrals in the angles.
  • #1
ghostfolk
59
1

Homework Statement



Find the energy stored in a solid sphere by integrating ##\frac{\epsilon_0}{2} \int E^2d^3r## given that ##E=k\frac{r^2}{4 \epsilon_0}## for ##0<r\le R## and ##E=k\frac{R^4}{4r^2 \epsilon_0}## for ##r>R##

Homework Equations



##U=\frac{\epsilon_0}{2} \int E^2d^3r##

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm just looking for the correct set up
##U=\frac{\epsilon_0}{2} [\int_0^R (k\frac{r^2}{4 \epsilon_0})^2d^3r+\int_R^\infty (k\frac{R^4}{4r^2 \epsilon_0})d^3r]##.
 
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  • #2
With the given fields, your setup is fine apart from missing a square of the field for the second integral. Also, do not forget the integrals in the angles.
 

What is electrostatic potential?

Electrostatic potential is a physical quantity that measures the amount of energy required to move a unit positive charge from a reference point to a specific location in an electric field. It is also known as electric potential or voltage.

How do you find electrostatic potential?

To find electrostatic potential, you need to first determine the electric field at the location of interest. Then, you can use the equation V = -∫E·dl to calculate the potential, where V is the electrostatic potential, E is the electric field, and dl is an infinitesimal displacement along the path in the direction of the electric field.

What is the unit of electrostatic potential?

The unit of electrostatic potential is volts (V) in the International System of Units (SI). It can also be expressed in joules per coulomb (J/C) in terms of the unit of electric potential energy and charge.

Is electrostatic potential a scalar or a vector quantity?

Electrostatic potential is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no directional component. This is because it only measures the energy required to move a charge from one point to another, without considering the direction of the movement.

What are some real-life applications of electrostatic potential?

Electrostatic potential has many applications in our daily lives, including in electronic devices such as batteries and capacitors, as well as in power generation and distribution systems. It is also used in electrostatic painting, air ionizers, and electrostatic precipitators for air pollution control. In addition, electrostatic potential plays a crucial role in biomedical applications such as electrocardiograms and electroencephalograms.

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