What is the total energy of the point charge?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a point charge 'q' placed on the surface of a uniformly charged solid sphere with charge 'Q'. When released, the point charge will exhibit simple harmonic motion, with its period determined by the formula T = 2π√(4πε₀R³m/Qq). To analyze the motion, Gauss' Law is applied to derive the electric field inside the sphere, which helps calculate the force on the charge. The total energy of the point charge is expressed as E = -Qq/(4πε₀R). Understanding these principles is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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I need help with this question. I can't see the motion. I have

Consider a solid sphere of radius R with a charge Q distributed uniformly. Suppose that a point charge 'q' of mass 'm', with a sign opposite that of Q, is free to move within the solid sphere. Charge q is placed at rest on the surface of the solid sphere and released. Describe the subsequent motion. In particular, what is the period of the motion, and what is the total energy of the point charge?

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If the charge is free to move through the sphere,the motion will be a simple harmonic one
with time period=T where T is given by
T=2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{4 \pi \epsilon_0 R^3 m}{Qq}}
 
Assume the charge will not disturb the charge density of the sphere. Use Gauss' Law to find the electric field inside the sphere. I think it's obvious what your Gaussian surface should be.
After you've found the electric field as a function of position (or distance from the sphere), you can simply calculate the force acting on the charge and use Newton's Laws to find its motion.
 
Energy of point charge is given by E where E is given by the expression that is written below
E=-\frac{Qq}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 R}
 
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