Point Charge in a Dielectric Sphere

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SUMMARY

A point charge q located at the center of a dielectric sphere of radius a generates electric displacement D, electric field E, and polarization P throughout the sphere. The derived expression for D is D = (q/4πr²)âhat{r}, and for regions outside the sphere, E can be calculated as E = (1/ε0)D. To fully solve the problem, it is essential to assume a specific dielectric constant Ke, which relates D to E through the equation D = Keε0E. The total bound charge on the surface of the sphere can be determined using these relationships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric displacement (D) and electric field (E) concepts
  • Familiarity with polarization (P) in dielectric materials
  • Knowledge of Gauss's law for electric fields
  • Basic calculus for evaluating integrals over closed surfaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric displacement D and electric field E in dielectric materials
  • Learn how to calculate bound charge on dielectric surfaces
  • Explore the implications of varying dielectric constants (Ke) on electric fields
  • Investigate the application of Gauss's law in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and electrical engineering, particularly those focusing on electrostatics and dielectric materials.

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Homework Statement



A point charge q is located at the center of a dielectric sphere of radius a. Find D, E, and P everywhere and plot your results. What is the total bound charge on the surface of the sphere?

(I assume by "everywhere" my professor meant inside and outside the sphere.)
(D is the electric displacement)

Homework Equations



\nabla\cdot(ε0E+P)=ρf

and

D\cdotda=qwhere the integral is over the closed surface and ρf is the charge density of the enclosed free charge.

The Attempt at a Solution



Using that, I got D=(q/4\pir2)\hat{r}

And that Er>a= (1/ε0)D

Beyond that (if that is even correct), I feel like I need more information (or I have no idea what I'm doing).
 
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Looks good so far. To go further, maybe you are supposed to assume the material has a certain dielectric constant Ke. So, D = KeεoE. Then you can express your answers for P and E in terms of Ke.
 

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