What Are the Electric Field and Potential in a Non-Conducting Hollow Sphere?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the electric field and potential within a non-conducting hollow sphere, focusing on the regions defined by the sphere's radius and the enclosed charge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to define the enclosed charge (Qenc) for different regions of the sphere and are exploring the implications of the sphere being non-conducting versus conducting.

Discussion Status

Some participants are questioning the assumptions regarding induced charges and are clarifying the geometry involved in determining the fraction of charge enclosed within certain radii. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between charge distribution and electric field calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem involves understanding the implications of the sphere's material properties on charge distribution and electric field behavior, particularly in the context of non-conducting materials.

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Homework Statement


https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10155063_1485929725016579_7557468199677155885_n.jpg?oh=d575aa48176de7ecda27201b7ce35a5b&oe=54F7F368&__gda__=1425195231_44abd00cc231109df2fbe8d44cef9869

Homework Equations


∫E⋅da⋅n = 4πkQenc
ΔV(voltage) = -∫Edr

The Attempt at a Solution


To be honest I am having trouble starting the problem and defining the Qenc for the three areas of the sphere.

I do believe that for r < R ⇒ E(r) = 2QK/r2

and for r > R ⇒ E(r) = KQ/r2

I know that the answer is listed for R<r<2R but i can't seem to come up with that answer.

I think I am just having problems with defining the Qenc

for R<r<2R does Qenc = 2Qpt charge - Qinduced = Q sound right?
 
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NYK said:

Homework Statement


https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10155063_1485929725016579_7557468199677155885_n.jpg?oh=d575aa48176de7ecda27201b7ce35a5b&oe=54F7F368&__gda__=1425195231_44abd00cc231109df2fbe8d44cef9869

Homework Equations


∫E⋅da⋅n = 4πkQenc
ΔV(voltage) = -∫Edr

The Attempt at a Solution


To be honest I am having trouble starting the problem and defining the Qenc for the three areas of the sphere.

I do believe that for r < R ⇒ E(r) = 2QK/r2

and for r > R ⇒ E(r) = KQ/r2
That's right.

I know that the answer is listed for R<r<2R but i can't seem to come up with that answer.

I think I'm just having problems with defining the Qenc

for R<r<2R. Does Qenc = 2Qpt charge - Qinduced = Q sound right?
No. The ball is non-conducting, so there won't be any induced charges. You have a charge -Q spread out uniformly within the ball. When R < r < 2R, you have to figure out what fraction of the ball is enclosed inside of the sphere of radius r. It's a geometry problem.
 
vela said:
That's right.No. The ball is non-conducting, so there won't be any induced charges. You have a charge -Q spread out uniformly within the ball. When R < r < 2R, you have to figure out what fraction of the ball is enclosed inside of the sphere of radius r. It's a geometry problem.

I understand that, so if it was a conducting sphere the charge would be Qenc = Qpt charge +λ(π(r2-R2))?
 
No. How did you come up with that expression?
 

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