The discussion centers on the implications of modifying Coulomb's Law from an inverse square relationship to an inverse cube relationship, particularly regarding an isolated charged conducting sphere. It is established that if Coulomb's Law were to follow an inverse cube relationship, the electric field inside the conductor would remain zero, but the volumetric charge density could still be non-zero. This counterintuitive conclusion arises from the nature of charge distribution within conductors and the principles of electrostatics.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in advanced electrostatics concepts, particularly those exploring theoretical modifications to established physical laws.
Aastik Tripathi said:If the coulomb's law instead of following an inverse square relationship, follows an inverse cube relationship
It came up when I was attending my classes , that in some examination this concept was asked using a charged spherical conductor as mentioned above, the answer was told that it there will not be any electric field inside the bulk of the conductor which was quite intuitive, however the charge density was claimed to be non zero, which was quite counter intuitive as I believed charges would experience repulsion when present in the bulk, that's why I posted this to clear the doubt .PeterDonis said:It doesn't. Is there a particular reason why you are asking?
Aastik Tripathi said:in some examination this concept was asked using a charged spherical conductor as mentioned above, the answer was told that it there will not be any electric field inside the bulk of the conductor which was quite intuitive, however the charge density was claimed to be non zero, which was quite counter intuitive as I believed charges would experience repulsion when present in the bulk