What is the Electric Field inside this charged sphere?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the electric field inside a charged sphere using Gauss' law. The relevant equation is E_flux = EA = (q_encl)/(permittivity), with the area calculated as 4πr². Participants clarify that while manipulating the equations may suggest an infinite field at the center, spherical symmetry dictates that the electric field is actually zero at that point. The enclosed charge at a radius of 4 cm is also a critical factor in accurately applying Gauss' law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss' law
  • Familiarity with electric field concepts
  • Knowledge of spherical symmetry in electrostatics
  • Basic calculus for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss' law in different geometries
  • Learn about electric field calculations for spherical charge distributions
  • Explore the implications of spherical symmetry on electric fields
  • Investigate the concept of enclosed charge in electrostatics
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields in charged spherical objects.

k_squared
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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!
 
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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.
 

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