# Free Charge Density

1. Jun 30, 2013

### zephyr5050

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A point charge $Q$ is embedded in a dielectric medium with relative permittivity $\epsilon_r$. What is the free charge enclosed by a sphere of radius $R$ centered at $Q$.

2. Relevant equations

$\nabla \cdot \mathbf D = \rho_f$

$\oint \mathbf D \cdot d \mathbf A = Q_{free,enclosed}$

3. The attempt at a solution

My initial attempt would be to use $\nabla \cdot \mathbf D = \rho_f$. For a single charge $Q$ at the origin, the displacement field should be

$\mathbf D = \frac{Q}{4 \pi r^2} \hat{\mathbf r}$

which can be found from Gauss' Law. The only issue is, that requires knowing the free charge enclosed in the gaussian surface, which is what the problem asks for to begin with. It's completely circular. I just can't figure a way to get the free charge enclosed in a sphere, especially without any information about electric fields or electric potentials. Any guidance on how to approach this problem?

2. Jun 30, 2013

### tiny-tim

hi zephyr5050!

hint: what is the total charge enclosed by the sphere of radius R ?

3. Jun 30, 2013

### zephyr5050

Hello tiny-tim. Thanks for the response.

As it turns out, that is part c of the problem, after asking what the bound charge density is. Obviously the total charge enclosed should be $Q$ plus any other free charge (although I don't believe there is one) and whatever bound charge density is induced. Conceptually I know that a bound charge density is induced around the charge $Q$, but I still don't see how I can use the total charge enclosed without also knowing the bound charge density.

4. Jun 30, 2013

### TSny

To help answer the question, how do you distinguish between "free" and "bound" charge? Is Q a free charge? Does the dielectric material itself have any free charge?

5. Jun 30, 2013

### zephyr5050

Well, the free charge would be anything which can move freely around the system, whereas the bound charge is any charge confined to an atom, but which is creating an electric field due to the fact that it has been pulled away from the rest of it's atom.

I believe it should be considering it is not confined to an atom. And as far as I can reason, it should be the only free charge.

Well obviously not. I can certainly qualitatively reason that the only free charge should be that which is given by the problem. That charge can't induce any other free charge in the dielectric. It can merely polarize the dielectric and create a bound charge near the free charge. But that doesn't seem to bring me any close to quantitatively calculating the free charge.

6. Jun 30, 2013

### TSny

Yes. Good.

I would think it does.

7. Jun 30, 2013

### zephyr5050

But that seems absurdly simple. I don't even have to do any math for that. I suppose that is the answer, but it just feels like its not enough to satisfactorily answer the question.

8. Jun 30, 2013

### TSny

Yes, it's simple. But it is a check on your understanding.

9. Jul 1, 2013

### zephyr5050

Alright, thanks for your help TSny, and you too tiny-tim.