Nonuniform volume charge density

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving a slab of insulating material with a nonuniform volume charge density defined as rho = Cx². Participants are tasked with finding the electric field both outside the slab (for |x| > d=2) and inside the slab (for |x| < d=2). The use of Gauss' Law is suggested as a potential approach, prompting questions about the symmetry of the problem and the appropriate Gaussian surface to apply. The focus is on understanding how to effectively utilize Gauss' Law in this context. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of symmetry in solving electric field problems involving charge distributions.
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Homework Statement


A slab of insulating material has a nonuniform volume charge density
given by rho = Cx2, where C is a positive constant and x is measured from the slab’s center. The slab is infi…nite in the y and z directions.

(a) Find the electric fi…eld for |x| > d=2, that is, in the regions exterior to the slab.
(b) Find the electric …field for |x| < d=2, that is, in the interior region of the slab.


Homework Equations



Not sure

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried thinking in terms of gauss' law but I'm term how to tackle this problem
 
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Gauss' Law sounds good...what kind of symmetry does this problem possess? What type of Gaussian surface do you use when that type of symmetry is present?
 

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