Griffiths 4.24: Solving Electric Field in Insulated Sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an uncharged conducting sphere coated with an insulating shell, placed in a uniform electric field. The objective is to find the electric field within the insulating layer, considering the boundary conditions at the interfaces of the conducting sphere and the dielectric shell.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss boundary conditions and the behavior of electric fields in conductors and dielectrics. There are attempts to clarify the implications of the electric field being constant or varying at the boundaries. Questions arise regarding the application of specific equations from Griffiths' text and the nature of the potential across different regions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the boundary conditions and the implications for the electric field and potential. Some guidance has been offered regarding the continuity of electric fields and potentials at the boundaries, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or interpretation.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific equations from Griffiths' textbook, which may be causing confusion among participants. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity on the assumptions regarding the nature of the materials involved and their respective electric fields.

  • #31
ehrenfest said:
I know what the form of the solutions is but I cannot apply boundary conditions if I do not know what they are. Please answer my questions.

Ok, if you type the form of the solution in your next post, it might help.

Because, if you do that,
(i) you will see how many constants you need to evaluate
(ii) you will be able to figure out what bc's to use (ex, what happens to V at r=b? What happens to its derivative)
(iii) once you find the solution, you will see what happens at r=a (ex, what is dV/dr at r=a)
 
Last edited:

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