Electric field inside a charged sphere

In summary: In the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume. This is different than a charged conducting sphere, where the charge is only located on the surface.
  • #1
Geocentric
15
0

Homework Statement


In the case of charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge entirely resides on the surface because it always tries to cancel the field inside by moving to the surface. But in the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume. What I don't understand is that, why doesn't the charge move to the surface as in the case of a charged conducting sphere? If so, how do we get the charges placed for obtaining these 2 different configurations?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
But in the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume. What I don't understand is that, why doesn't the charge move to the surface as in the case of a charged conducting sphere?

Did you really mean this?:smile:
 
  • #3
aim1732 said:
Did you really mean this?:smile:

If a gaussian surface is constructed within the uniformly charged sphere, the electric field is not zero. So, there is charge not only on the surface but also inside. Isn't that true?
 
  • #4
But in the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume.
This?
 
  • #5
aim1732 said:
This?

Could you please clarify what you intend to say?
 
  • #6
Geocentric said:
In the case of charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge entirely resides on the surface because it always tries to cancel the field inside by moving to the surface. But in the case of a uniformly charged conducting sphere, we find that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume. What I don't understand is that, why doesn't the charge move to the surface as in the case of a charged conducting sphere? If so, how do we get the charges placed for obtaining these 2 different configurations?

What I think aim1732 is trying to say is: Why do you think you can have a uniformly charged conducting sphere?
 
  • #7
I misunderstood the uniformly charged sphere as uniformly charged conducting sphere. Thanks guys.
 
  • #8
That's correct!
 

FAQ: Electric field inside a charged sphere

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical field that surrounds an electrically charged particle and exerts a force on other charged particles within its vicinity.

How is the electric field inside a charged sphere calculated?

The electric field inside a charged sphere is calculated by dividing the charge of the sphere by the square of its radius multiplied by the permittivity of free space (ε0).

Is the electric field inside a charged sphere uniform?

Yes, the electric field inside a charged sphere is uniform. This means that the strength of the electric field at any point inside the sphere is the same and is directed towards the center of the sphere.

What happens to the electric field inside a charged sphere if the charge or radius changes?

If the charge of the sphere increases, the electric field inside the sphere will also increase. Similarly, if the radius of the sphere increases, the electric field inside the sphere will decrease. This relationship is known as the inverse square law.

Can the electric field inside a charged sphere be zero?

Yes, the electric field inside a charged sphere can be zero if the charge of the sphere is also zero. In this case, there would be no electric force exerted on other charged particles inside the sphere.

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