Non-conductve sphere with cavity -- find Electric field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field inside a non-conductive sphere with a varying charge density, ρ=A/r, and a central cavity containing a charge q. The initial calculations for the electric field at different radii are presented, with specific equations for cases where the radius is equal to the cavity, greater than the sphere, and between the cavity and sphere. Participants emphasize the need for integration due to the variable charge density, suggesting that the sphere can be thought of as composed of thin spherical shells with differing charge densities. The correct approach involves integrating the charge density over the volume of interest to find the total enclosed charge. The conversation concludes with confirmation that the integration of the volume is essential for accurate calculations.
Manolisjam
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I have a non conducting sphere with a charge ρ=A/r per uni vollume A is constant. suppose there is a cavity in the centre and within a particle of charge q. i want to find the E inside the sphere in respect with r.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


for radius equal of the cavity i get ##E=kq/r^2## for r bigger than the radius of the sphere ##E=k(Q+q)/r^2## now only one case left
if r is bigger than the radius of the cavity and smaller than the radius of the sphere.
##E4πr^2=\frac{q+ρV}{ε_0} ##
where ρ is the density per unit vollume and V is the vollume
is my enclosed Q right? and my V is 4π(r^3-a^3) where a^3 is the small radius.
 
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Manolisjam said:
is my enclosed Q right?
Since the charge density varies with radius you'll need to take that into account. Hint: an integration is required.
 
gneill said:
Since the charge density varies with radius you'll need to take that into account. Hint: an integration is required.
?
 
Think of the sphere being comprised of many thin spherical shells, each having a slightly different charge density according to their radii. No two shells have the same charge density due to your given expression for the charge density, ρ=A/r. The enclosed charge will be the sum of the charges in those shells "below" the radius of interest.
 
gneill said:
Think of the sphere being comprised of many thin spherical shells, each having a slightly different charge density according to their radii. No two shells have the same charge density due to your given expression for the charge density, ρ=A/r. The enclosed charge will be the sum of the charges in those shells "below" the radius of interest.
##E4πr^2=\frac{q+ \int ρVdr}{ε_0} ## is the right one?
 
Manolisjam said:
##E4πr^2=\frac{q+ \int ρVdr}{ε_0} ## is the right one?
That's the idea, yes.
 
gneill said:
That's the idea, yes.
so i Keep the vollume inside the integral!
 
You want to integrate over the volume of interest, summing up the charges contained in each differential volume element. So really that V should be a dV(r). I assumed (my bad) that that was what you were implying with that V.
 
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