Problem about charge concentration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving electrostatics, specifically related to charge distribution on a conductive spherical shell and the application of Gauss' law. The original poster presents a scenario with a conductive shell and charges placed within and on it, seeking to determine the charge concentration on the shell's outer surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of removing the surface charge and question how the problem would change. There are discussions about the nature of the electric field and equipotential surfaces, as well as the effects of altering the geometry of the setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their uncertainties and exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance regarding the relevance of Gauss' law and electric fields has been suggested, but no consensus or clear direction has emerged yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem and the challenges posed by the original poster's language barrier. There is also mention of the potential impact of simplifying assumptions, such as considering the shell to be very thin.

Cetullah
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Hello people, I m quite new at this forum, and since I m not a native American, I may have some problems with translating the problem to English, but I will try my best.

There are some problems in the same type with that in my worksheet, and I can solve none of them. Here is the question:

Homework Statement


We have a conductive spherical shell with the inner radius 1 cm, and the outer radius 2 cm, with the charge -4 nC. At the center of the shell, there is a particle with charge 6 nC. Find the concentration of charge at the outer side of the shell.


Homework Equations


Since this question is under the subject "Gauss' law":

∫EdA= q/ε₀

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I have asked this to a noob scholar, and he also failed to answer.
 
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Can you solve the problem if the -4nC surface charge was not mentioned at all?
 
No, I absolutely have no idea about how to solve this...
 
ok, how about if the sphere is very very thin?
 
Hmm, have never solved such a problem either, but I guess it can be about the equation:

ε₀E= q/∫dA
 
its all about that equation. or rather what that equation is telling you about how you can distribute charges and get the same electric field.

What do you get for the electric field if you eliminate the conducting sphere entirely?
What shape describes the equipotentials?
Does placing a thin wire along the equipotential change the electirc field?
 

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