Solving Gauss's Law Problem: Determine Electric Field on/in Sphere

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    Gauss's law Law
AI Thread Summary
Gauss's Law states that the electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the enclosed charge divided by the permittivity of free space. For a metallic sphere with a diameter of 2 cm and a charge of 2 nC, the electric field at the surface can be calculated using this law. Inside the conductor, the electric field is zero due to electrostatic equilibrium, meaning all charge resides on the surface. Therefore, the charge inside the sphere is effectively zero. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving problems related to electric fields and conductors.
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Homework Statement



Ok so I', having some problems with Gauss's law. I know what it is, but I still can't get the answers right.

A metallic sphere of diameter 2*10-2m has been given a charge of 2 nC. State Gauss's law. Use this to determine the electrical field at the surface of the sphere. What is the electrical field inside the field?


Homework Equations



integral (E.dA)=Qenclosed/permitivity of free space


The Attempt at a Solution



the fist part is the equation written below.

However I am not sure about the next part. How do I distinguish between the charge inside the spehere and the charge on the surface?

Thanks
 
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Assuming electrostatic equilibrium, what's the charge inside a conductor?
 
Doc Al said:
Assuming electrostatic equilibrium, what's the charge inside a conductor?


Not really sure. Is it zero? Becasue all of the charge passes through it?
 
samblue said:
Not really sure. Is it zero? Becasue all of the charge passes through it?
Key fact (where electrostatic equilibrium holds): The electric field is zero everwhere inside a conductor. All the (net) charge on a conductor lies on its surface.
 
thanks
 
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