Non-uniform electric field and conducting spheres

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems involving electric fields, specifically a non-uniform electric field and the behavior of electric fields in relation to conducting and non-conducting spheres. Participants are attempting to calculate electric field flux and analyze the effects of charge distributions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the calculation of electric field flux through a rectangle in the xy plane and the electric fields at specific distances from charged spheres. There are attempts to clarify the application of equations related to electric flux and field strength.

Discussion Status

Some participants are questioning the original poster's calculations and assumptions, particularly regarding the area used in the flux calculation and the implications of the conducting sphere's charge distribution. There is an ongoing exploration of the need for integration due to the non-uniform nature of the electric field.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in the original poster's understanding of area versus length and the implications of charge placement in conducting spheres. There is a mention of the need for smaller images for clarity in sharing attempts.

ifailatlife
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Homework Statement



Q1. A non-uniform electric field is given by the expression E=3yi+2zj-k.
Determine the electric field flux through a rectangle in the xy plane, extending from x=0 to x=20 cm and y=0 to y=15cm

Q2. A point charge q1 = +5nc is placed at the center of a non-conducting sphere (radius a=3) which has a chrage of Q= -8nc distributed uniformly throughout its volume. find:

a)the electric field at r=2m
b)the electric field for r=5m

If the non-conducting sphere is nw replaced with a conducting hollow sphere,having the same total charge, and the same radius. The cavity has a radius of 0.5m FIND:

C)The electric field at r=2m
D)The electric field at r=5m

Homework Equations


Q1. ø=EAcosθ
Q2. Electricfield x area = Qenclosed/epsilon nod

The Attempt at a Solution


http://i.imgur.com/ynihOMI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/w7jTvvg.jpg

My attempts and the all the questions are in the links above

I would really appreciate some help on this PF.
 
Last edited:
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ifailatlife said:

Homework Statement



Q1. A non-uniform electric field is given by the expression E=3yi+2zj-k.
Determine the electric field flux through a rectangle in the xy plane, extending from x=0 to x=20 cm and y=0 to y=15cm

Q2. A point charge q1 = +5nc is placed at the center of a non-conducting sphere (radius a=3) which has a chrage of Q= -8nc distributed uniformly throughout its volume. find:

a)the electric field at r=2m
b)the electric field for r=5m

If the non-conducting sphere is nw replaced with a conducting hollow sphere,having the same total charge, and the same radius. The cavity has a radius of 0.5m FIND:

C)The electric field at r=2m
D)The electric field at r=5m

Homework Equations


Q1. ø=EAcosθ
Q2. Electricfield x area = Qenclosed/epsilon nod

The Attempt at a Solution


[ IMG]http://i.imgur.com/ynihOMI.jpg[/PLAIN]
[ IMG]http://i.imgur.com/w7jTvvg.jpg[/PLAIN]

My attempts and the all the questions are in the image

I would really appreciate some help on this PF.
Welcome to PF !

You need to post much smaller images than those !
 
I don't understand what you did at Q1. What is 3m? Where is your A, where did you calculate E*A?
Note that you can simply take the scalar product of the vectors, then the angle is included in the product and you don't have to calculate it.
As the field is not uniform, you might need an integral.

For the conducting sphere and r=2m: if the sphere is conducting, where is its charge?
 
mfb said:
I don't understand what you did at Q1. What is 3m? Where is your A, where did you calculate E*A?
Note that you can simply take the scalar product of the vectors, then the angle is included in the product and you don't have to calculate it.
As the field is not uniform, you might need an integral.

For the conducting sphere and r=2m: if the sphere is conducting, where is its charge?

Sorry
Area of the rectangle is 3m
Could you help me out with solving the integral ?

For the conducting hollow sphere Question C) at r=2m I tried it again and I think it should be Zero
 
ifailatlife said:
Sorry
Area of the rectangle is 3m
3m is a length, not an area. And there is at least one additional error in this result.

Could you help me out with solving the integral ?
Sure, just write down where you run into problems.

For the conducting hollow sphere Question C) at r=2m I tried it again and I think it should be Zero
If that is supposed to be the final result, don't forget the central charge.
 

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