The discussion revolves around a hypothetical modification of Coulomb's Law, specifically considering an inverse cube relationship instead of the traditional inverse square relationship. Participants explore the implications of this change on an isolated charged conducting sphere, particularly focusing on the electric field within the sphere and the volumetric charge density.
The discussion is ongoing, with some participants seeking clarification on the implications of the modified law and others emphasizing the need for mathematical backing rather than relying solely on intuition. There is recognition of the counterintuitive nature of charge density being non-zero within the conductor.
Participants reference an examination context where this concept was discussed, highlighting the contrast between intuitive expectations and the claims made regarding electric fields and charge density in the bulk of the conductor.
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