Find the electric field a distance z from the centre of spherical

In summary, the task is to find the electric field at a distance z from the center of a spherical sphere with uniform charge density B. The problem is divided into two cases: when z is less than the radius R (inside) and when z is greater than R (outside). The Law of Cosines is suggested as a method to solve the problem. The formula for the electric field is given as 1/4πεo∫(σda/r^2)cos(theta). The attempt at a solution includes substituting r with the Law of Cosines and getting stuck. The suggested next step is to use the formulas for surface and volume density, and to integrate over the appropriate ranges for theta, phi, and r
  • #1
skanda9051
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Homework Statement



Find the electric field a distance z from the centre of spherical sphere of radius R which carries uniform density B. treat Z<R (inside) and Z>R (outside)………. By using law of cosine how to solve this problem?

Homework Equations



1/4∏εo∫ (σ da/ r^2) cos(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution


substituting r by law of cosin.. r=√R^2+z^2-2Rzcos(theta)
1/4∏εo ∫[σ da/ R^2+z^2-2Rzcos(theta)]cos(theta)
i am stuck here what should i do next
 

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  • #2


Hi...
Is the charge density given by a surface density, or a volume density? When talking about a sphere and not a spherical shell, one ought to remember that the inside is filled(in this case with charge).
In any case,
Try the following:
[itex]
dA = rdr\sin(\theta)d\theta d\phi
[/itex]
[itex]
dV = r^2dr\sin(\theta)d\theta d\phi
[/itex]
Phi goes from 0 to 2pi,
Theta goes from 0 to Pi.
r from zero to R.
Try it,
Daniel
 

FAQ: Find the electric field a distance z from the centre of spherical

How is the electric field calculated at a distance z from the center of a spherical charge?

The electric field at a distance z from the center of a spherical charge can be calculated using the formula E = kQz/r^3, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the sphere, and r is the radius of the sphere.

Can the electric field at a distance z be negative?

Yes, the electric field at a distance z can be negative. This indicates that the electric field is pointing in the opposite direction of the positive charge at the center of the sphere.

How does the electric field change as the distance z increases?

The electric field decreases as the distance z increases. This is because the electric field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the center of the sphere.

What is the significance of the direction of the electric field at a distance z?

The direction of the electric field at a distance z indicates the direction in which a positive test charge placed at that point would move. If the electric field is positive, the test charge would move away from the center of the sphere. If the electric field is negative, the test charge would move towards the center of the sphere.

How is the electric field affected by the charge and radius of the spherical object?

The electric field is directly proportional to the charge of the spherical object and inversely proportional to the radius of the sphere. This means that as the charge increases, the electric field also increases, while a larger radius results in a weaker electric field.

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