What is the Electric Field inside this charged sphere?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the electric field inside a charged sphere using Gauss' law. The user expresses confusion over deriving a term that suggests the electric field approaches infinity at the center, despite understanding that spherical symmetry indicates it should be zero. Participants clarify that applying Gauss' law correctly at a radius of 4 cm, where the enclosed charge is considered, will yield the correct electric field value. The consensus is that the electric field inside a uniformly charged sphere is indeed zero at the center, aligning with the principles of spherical symmetry. Proper application of the equations resolves the initial confusion regarding the electric field's behavior.
k_squared
Messages
62
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let me just put this here:
http://i.imgur.com/dgcWAC3.png
dgcWAC3.png

.

Homework Equations


E_flux=EA=(q_encl)/(permittivity)
Area=4pir^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Whenever I manipulate the above equations, I get a term of the form R/r, which implies, R being 5 cm, and r being the radius inside. This implies that the field goes to infinity at the center, when I'm pretty sure by spherical symmetry it is 0!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
k_squared said:
Whenever I manipulate the above equations, I get a term of the form R/r, which implies, R being 5 cm, and r being the radius inside.
Not sure how you'd get an expression with R = 5 cm, when evaluating the field at r = 4 cm. Using Gauss' law at r = 4 cm gives you the field at that point, assuming spherical symmetry. What's the enclosed charge at that radius?

k_squared said:
when I'm pretty sure by spherical symmetry it is 0!
That's true and Gauss' law agrees.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top