Power lines from an electrically charged ball

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total number of electric field power lines, N, that extrude from a conductive ball with a diameter of 0.4 meters and a surface charge density of σ = 8 micro-coulombs/m². Using the equation N = A · σ, where A is the surface area of the sphere, the correct calculation yields N = 4E-6 lines. The surface area A is determined by the formula A = 4πr², with r being 0.2 meters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric field concepts and equations
  • Familiarity with the properties of conductors
  • Knowledge of surface charge density
  • Basic geometry of spheres
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  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their significance
  • Learn about the implications of Gauss's Law in electrostatics
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Homework Statement


A conductive ball of diameter 0.4 [m] is charged equally with a concentration of [itex]\sigma=8 [micro-coulon/m^2][/itex].
What's the total number of electric field power lines, N, that extrude from the ball

Homework Equations


The electric field near a conductor is like in a capacitor:
##E=\frac{\sigma}{\varepsilon_0}##
Definition of power lines:
##\frac{N}{A}=\varepsilon_0 E##

The Attempt at a Solution


##N=A\cdot \varepsilon_0 \cdot E=\frac{A\cdot\varepsilon_0\cdot\sigma}{\varepsilon_0}=A\cdot \sigma##
##N=4\pi\cdot 0.4[m]^2\cdot 8E-6[Coulon]=1.6E-5[lines]##
It should be N=4E-6[lines]
 
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R = 0.2 m
 

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