How Does Charge Distribution Affect Electric Fields in Nested Spheres?

In summary, there is a solid sphere with a radius of 3.00 cm and a spherical conducting shell with inner radius of 2.00a and outer radius of 2.40a. The sphere has a net uniform charge of +4.33 fC and the shell has a net charge of -q1. The question is about the magnitude of the electric field at a distance of a/2 from the center of the sphere, which is not zero as expected because it was not specified that the solid sphere is a conductor.
  • #1
reising1
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A solid sphere of radius a = 3.00 cm is concentric with a spherical conducting shell of inner radius b = 2.00a and outer radius c = 2.40a. The sphere has a net uniform charge q1 = +4.33 fC; the shell has a net charge q2 = –q1.

What is the magnitude of the electric field at a distance r = a/2 from the center of the sphere?

___

Well, I thought the answer was 0 because as I know, the electric field inside a conductor is zero, and the sphere is a conductor. So anywhere in the sphere will have zero charge, since all the charge moves to the surface of the sphere. But, the answer is not zero. Why is this? I'm just so entirely confused with when E is zero and when it is not.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
It was not said that the solid sphere was a conductor.

ehild
 

1. What is a "Sphere inside a shell"?

A "Sphere inside a shell" refers to a spherical object that is enclosed within another larger spherical object, creating a hollow space between the two spheres.

2. What is the purpose of studying "Sphere inside a shell"?

Studying "Sphere inside a shell" can help scientists understand the behavior and properties of materials under extreme pressure and confinement. It can also have practical applications in fields such as material science and geology.

3. How is a "Sphere inside a shell" experiment conducted?

In a typical "Sphere inside a shell" experiment, a small spherical object is placed inside a larger spherical container. The container is then compressed using various methods, such as hydraulic pressure or mechanical force, to create high pressures and confine the inner sphere.

4. What are some potential challenges in conducting "Sphere inside a shell" experiments?

Some challenges in conducting "Sphere inside a shell" experiments include finding suitable materials that can withstand high pressures and accurately measuring the properties and behavior of the confined sphere. Additionally, the experimental set-up and data analysis can be complex and require specialized equipment and techniques.

5. What are some real-world applications of "Sphere inside a shell" experiments?

"Sphere inside a shell" experiments have many potential applications, such as studying the behavior of materials under high pressures, understanding the structure of planetary cores, and developing new materials for industrial and technological use. They can also provide insights into the behavior of trapped gases and fluids, which can have environmental and industrial implications.

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