How Do You Calculate the E-field in an Electron Cloud Using Gauss's Theorem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field (E-field) in an electron cloud using Gauss's theorem. Participants are exploring the application of relevant formulas and the contributions from both the nucleus and the electron cloud.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the initial approach to calculating the electric field intensity may be missing key components, particularly the contributions from the electrons.
  • One participant points out that the relevant formula used by another is incorrect and advises checking the dimensions and use of brackets.
  • A later reply questions the correctness of the expression used for the contribution from the electron cloud, specifically for the case where ##a
  • There is a request for verification of a solution that was attempted, indicating a desire for feedback on the correctness of the approach taken.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the correctness of the formulas and expressions used in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of Gauss's theorem and the specific conditions under which the formulas apply, as well as unresolved mathematical steps in the contributions from the electron cloud.

SimranPaudel
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Homework Statement
Q) To a very rough approximation a heavy atom can be pictured to be a spherical with
charge ‘+Q’and radius ‘a’ embedded in a much larger sphere of negative charge (the
electrons). This negative sphere will have a radius ‘b’ (the atomic radius) and charge
distributed uniformly throughout its volume will be ‘–Q’. Find electric field intensity for
any radius larger than ‘a’.
Relevant Equations
E= (1/4pi E0)* (Q/R)
I tried to use the formula for electric field intensity but I feel like something is missing.
 
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Hello @SimranPaudel ,
:welcome: ##\qquad ##!​

SimranPaudel said:
I tried to use the formula for electric field intensity but I feel like something is missing.
Good intuition ! You are describing the contribution from the nucleus. You need to add the contribution from the electrons ...

Note that your relevant formula is incorrect (check the dimensionsn and use brackets).

##\ ##
 
BvU said:
Hello @SimranPaudel ,
:welcome: ##\qquad ##!​
Good intuition ! You are describing the contribution from the nucleus. You need to add the contribution from the electrons ...

Note that your relevant formula is incorrect (check the dimensionsn and use brackets).

##\ ##
Thank you so much for your response. I have attached the one that I tried to solve. Can you please check if it is correct? Thank you <3
 

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For ##a<R<b\ ## the expression you use for the contribution from the electron cloud is not correct. Are you familiar with the gauss theorem ?

##\ ##
 

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