Electrostatics - sphere electric field

In summary, the question is asking for the intensity of the electric field at distances 5cm and 14cm from the center of two concentric spheres with radii 6cm and 10cm, and charges of -1nC and 0.5nC. The solution can be found by treating the spheres as point charges and using the formula E=KQ/R^2 or by using Gauss's law and manipulating the equation to solve for E.
  • #1
Agonche
2
0

Homework Statement


Two concentric spheres with radius r1=6cm and r2=10cm are charged with electric charges Q1=-1nC and Q2=0.5nC. Find the intensity of the electric field on distance 5cm and 14 cm from the center of the sphere.

I think they look something like this

tan19s.jpg


Please if anyone knows the solution. write it down.
I just need the start .. the formula.. i can do calculations by myself.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i may be wrong but here's my try
since the first distance d1=5cm
and the sphere sizes are larger so
d1<r1
d1<r2
E1=0
E2=0

there is no electric field inside sferes

what about the distance 14cm
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Agonche said:

Homework Statement


Two concentric spheres with radius r1=6cm and r2=10cm are charged with electric charges Q1=-1nC and Q2=0.5nC. Find the intensity of the electric field on distance 5cm and 14 cm from the center of the sphere.

I think they look something like this

tan19s.jpg


Please if anyone knows the solution. write it down.
I just need the start .. the formula.. i can do calculations by myself.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



i may be wrong but here's my try
since the first distance d1=5cm
and the sphere sizes are larger so
d1<r1
d1<r2
E1=0
E2=0

there is no electric field inside sferes

what about the distance 14cm

For E field at 14cm, since this point is outside of the sphere,take the sphere as a point charge and calculate the E-field using E=KQ/R^2 (E-field of point charge)

an alternative view point will be to use gauss law, EA=Q(enclosed)/(epsilon nought)
manipulate the equation and solve for E.
 

FAQ: Electrostatics - sphere electric field

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 range. It is responsible for the movement of electrically charged particles and is a fundamental concept in electrostatics.

How is the electric field of a sphere calculated?

The electric field of a sphere can be calculated using the following formula: E = kQ/r^2, where E is the electric field strength, k is the Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2), Q is the charge of the sphere, and r is the distance from the center of the sphere. This formula applies for both positive and negative charges.

How does the electric field vary with distance from a charged sphere?

The electric field strength decreases with distance from a charged sphere. This is because the electric field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the charged sphere. As the distance increases, the electric field becomes weaker.

Can two spheres with the same charge have different electric fields?

Yes, two spheres with the same charge can have different electric fields. This is because the electric field also depends on the size of the sphere. A larger sphere with the same charge will have a weaker electric field than a smaller sphere with the same charge.

How does the electric field inside a charged sphere differ from the electric field outside?

The electric field inside a charged sphere is zero. This is because the electric field lines inside a conductor, such as a sphere, cancel out each other due to the movement of charges within the conductor. On the other hand, the electric field outside a charged sphere follows the inverse square law and is dependent on the charge and distance from the sphere's center.

Similar threads

Electric field external to Conducting Hollow Sphere with charge inside
Replies
23
Views
2K
Should I Consider the Electric Field Outside a Uniformly Charged Sphere?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Electric Field Inside a Conducting Sphere: Is it Always Zero?
Replies
1
Views
1K
What does having 3d symmetry 2d symmetry and 1d symmetry mean?
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
Calculation of the electric field strength
Replies
4
Views
2K
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
Replies
22
Views
2K
Using Gauss' Law to find the field at a point
Replies
6
Views
1K
Where is the net electric field zero?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Understanding the Electric Field of Two Spheres: A Scientific Approach
Replies
11
Views
2K
Calculate the electric potential of a sphere
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top