SUMMARY
The electric field and potential of uniformly charged spheres, both solid and hollow, can be analyzed using Gauss's Law. For a uniformly charged solid sphere, the electric field inside is zero, while outside it follows the formula E = k * charge / distance². The potential inside the sphere is constant and equal to the potential at the surface, while outside it is given by V = k * charge / distance. Hollow spheres exhibit similar behavior, with the electric field inside being zero and the potential following the same formulas as the solid sphere outside.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of Gauss's Law
- Familiarity with electric field and potential concepts
- Knowledge of point charge symmetry
- Basic algebra for manipulating formulas
NEXT STEPS
- Study Gauss's Law applications in electrostatics
- Learn about electric field calculations for different charge distributions
- Explore the concept of electric potential in more complex geometries
- Investigate the differences between conductors and insulators in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR
Students of physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields and potentials in charged spheres.