Force on a sphere in a constant external electric field

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an uncharged solid sphere placed in a constant external electric field, with participants discussing the force acting on the sphere due to the induced charge in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between induced charge and the electric field, questioning how to calculate the force on the sphere. There is discussion about whether the force can be derived from the induced charge and the electric field near the sphere.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the concepts of induced charge and dipole formation in the context of a uniform electric field. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the induced dipole, but no consensus has been reached on the calculation of the force.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the assumption of a uniform electric field and its implications for the force on the sphere, as well as the nature of charge separation in this scenario.

captain.joco
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Homework Statement


An uncharged solid sphere is paced in a constant external electric field E0. What is the force on the sphere?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know ( already have found ) the electric potential and electric field around the sphere. Also worked out the surface charged density. I don't know how to calculate the force..Any help please?
 
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Isn't F = q*E ?
 
It seemed too simple somehow... Is q the induced charge on the sphere, and E the electric field close to the sphere??

Thank you for your help
 
captain.joco said:
It seemed too simple somehow... Is q the induced charge on the sphere, and E the electric field close to the sphere??

Thank you for your help

If there is charge separation, what will the net force be?
 
Got it! Thanks a lot for the help!
 
This is the exact question i was looking for help with and still not sure of what the next step is.

I know the uniform E-field causes the sphere to gain an induced dipole. From this how do you get the force? Is it ok to just assume the E-field remains uniform.. this can't be right as there would then be no force and seems there must be a force from the way the question is worded.
 

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