Solving the Electric Field of a Spherical Shell

In summary, the problem involves finding the electric field at points just outside and inside a conducting spherical shell with a net charge of -8.15 μC uniformly distributed on its surface. For the first part, using the equation E = kF/q, the electric field is found to be 2.03x10^6 N/C in the radially outward direction. For the second part, the answer is not provided as the individual is unsure of how to approach it.
  • #1
DrMcDreamy
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0

Homework Statement



This is a two part problem:

3- A conducting spherical shell of radius 19 cm carries a net charge of −8.15 μC uniformly distributed on its surface. Find the electric field at points just outside the shell. (Take the radially outward direction to be positive.) Answer in units of N/C.

Homework Equations



E = k[tex]\frac{F}{q}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



E=k[tex]\frac{8.15x10^-6 C}{(.19 m)^2}[/tex]=
E= 2.03x10^6[tex]\frac{Nm}{C}[/tex]

4- Find the electric field at points inside the shell. Answer in units of N/C.

I am not sure how to do this part.
 
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  • #2
The answer I had gotten (2.03e6) is wrong. Why?
 
  • #3
The charge is negative.
 

1. What is the equation for the electric field of a spherical shell?

The equation for the electric field of a spherical shell is E = kQ/r^2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the shell, and r is the distance from the center of the shell to the point where the electric field is being calculated.

2. How do you determine the direction of the electric field at a point outside the spherical shell?

The direction of the electric field at a point outside the spherical shell is determined by the direction of the force that a positive test charge would experience if placed at that point. The direction is always away from the shell, as the electric field lines radiate outward from the positive charge on the shell.

3. Is the electric field inside the spherical shell zero?

Yes, the electric field inside a spherical shell is zero. This is because the shell has a uniform charge distribution, and the electric field produced by each infinitesimal charge element inside the shell cancels out due to symmetry.

4. Can the electric field of a spherical shell be negative?

No, the electric field of a spherical shell cannot be negative. This is because the electric field is a vector quantity, and its magnitude is always positive. The direction of the electric field may change, but its magnitude cannot be negative.

5. How does the electric field of a spherical shell change as the distance from the shell increases?

The electric field of a spherical shell follows an inverse square law, meaning that as the distance from the shell increases, the electric field decreases. This is because the electric field strength is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of the field.

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