Electric Field Inside a Conducting Sphere: Is it Always Zero?

In summary, the formula for calculating the electric field inside a sphere is E = kQr/r^3, where E is the electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the sphere, and r is the distance from the center of the sphere. The electric field inside a sphere is uniform, meaning that the magnitude and direction remain constant at all points inside the sphere. However, in a conducting sphere, the electric field inside is zero due to the redistribution of charges on the surface, while in a non-conducting sphere, it depends on the distribution of charges within. The electric field inside a sphere can be negative, indicating a force in the opposite direction for a positive test charge. In a hollow
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Homework Statement
What is the electric field inside sphere with negative charges distributed on the sphere.
Relevant Equations
no eqns
Is the electric field inside a sphere always 0? Even if we have charges on the surface?
 

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This is a homework question. What is your thinking about the choices you have? The fact that this sphere is conducting is important to the answer.
 

FAQ: Electric Field Inside a Conducting Sphere: Is it Always Zero?

What is the electric field inside a uniformly charged sphere?

The electric field inside a uniformly charged sphere is zero. This is because the electric field inside a conductor is always zero, and a charged sphere acts as a conductor.

How is the electric field inside a non-uniformly charged sphere calculated?

The electric field inside a non-uniformly charged sphere can be calculated using the equation E = kQr/R^3, where E is the electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the total charge of the sphere, r is the distance from the center of the sphere, and R is the radius of the sphere.

Does the electric field inside a sphere change if the charge on the sphere is doubled?

No, the electric field inside a sphere does not change if the charge on the sphere is doubled. The electric field inside a sphere is only dependent on the distance from the center of the sphere and the radius of the sphere, not the amount of charge on the sphere.

Can the electric field inside a sphere be negative?

No, the electric field inside a sphere cannot be negative. The electric field is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Inside a sphere, the electric field must point away from the center, so it can only have positive values.

How does the electric field inside a sphere change as you move closer to the center?

The electric field inside a sphere decreases as you move closer to the center. This is because the electric field is inversely proportional to the distance from the center of the sphere. As you move closer to the center, the distance decreases, causing the electric field to increase.

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