Overlapping spheres of charge: finding the E field between them

AI Thread Summary
To find the electric field in the overlapping region of two spheres with uniform charge densities, Gauss' Law is applied. The electric field inside a single positively charged sphere is derived as E = (ρ*r)/(3ε). When considering both spheres, the electric fields from each sphere are combined, resulting in E = (ρ*r)/(3ε) - (ρ*r)/(3ε), which simplifies to zero. However, there is uncertainty regarding the variable 'r', as it represents the distance to the center of each sphere and may differ between them. Clarification on the vector nature of both E and r is also needed for accurate calculations.
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Homework Statement



You have two spheres. The first is centered at the origin and as uniform positive charge density ρ and radius R. The second is shifted up a distance d, and it has uniform negative charge density -ρ and radius R.

Find the E field in the region of overlap.


Homework Equations



Gauss' Law


The Attempt at a Solution



I first found an expression for the E field inside a single sphere.

∫E dA = \frac{Q}{\epsilon}
E(4\pi*r^{2}) = \frac{\rho*(4/3)\pi*r^{3}}{\epsilon}
E=\frac{\rho*r}{3\epsilon}

Now, for extending the case to include both spheres.

I add the E field from one to the E field of the other, giving \frac{\rho*r}{3\epsilon} - \frac{\rho*r}{3\epsilon}, which gives zero.

I'm not sure that this is correct, I'm feeling weary of r, the radius of the Gaussian surface, and whether it is the same for both spheres.
 
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r is the distance to the center of the sphere, and that is different for those spheres.
In addition, both E and r are vectors.
 
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