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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electric field (E-field) in an electron cloud using Gauss's Theorem. Participants highlight the necessity of including contributions from both the nucleus and the electrons in the calculations. A specific error in the formula used for electric field intensity is noted, emphasizing the importance of checking dimensions and using proper brackets. The conversation underscores the relevance of Gauss's Theorem in accurately determining the E-field in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Theorem
  • Knowledge of electric field intensity calculations
  • Familiarity with the contributions of atomic structures (nucleus and electron cloud)
  • Basic proficiency in dimensional analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's Theorem in electrostatics
  • Learn about the contributions of electron clouds to electric fields
  • Review dimensional analysis techniques in physics
  • Explore advanced electric field calculations in atomic physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics and atomic structure, will benefit from this discussion.

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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