What Is the Charge Distribution on the External Surface of a Conducting Sphere?

In summary, the conversation discusses a charge inside a conducting sphere and how to calculate the charge distribution on the external surface of the sphere. The sphere is initially electrically neutral and all the charge on it is induced by the point-like charge inside. The net charge of the inner surface is unknown, but using Gauss's law can help determine the charge distribution on the surface. It is also mentioned that if there is an induced charge on the inner surface and the sphere was initially neutral, the total charge on the sphere would still be zero.
  • #1
Qubix
82
1

Homework Statement



Ok, so I have a charge inside a conducting sphere. I managed to calculate the electric potential inside the sphere, and also the surface charge distribution, on the interior surface of the sphere.

Homework Equations



How can I calculate the charge distribution on the external surface of the sphere?
 
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  • #2
Is the conducting sphere initially electrically neutral or does it have some charge?
 
  • #3
kuruman said:
Is the conducting sphere initially electrically neutral or does it have some charge?

The sphere is initially neutral. All the charge on it is induced by the point-like charge inside it.
 
  • #4
What is the net charge of the inner surface (assuming you already solved it, you are sorely lacking details)? Then what does this make the net charge inside of the outer surface? Then, using Gauss's law, what should the charge distribution on the surface be?

Hopefully you understand my line of thinking, since I was given little info to work off of.
 
  • #5
More to the point, if you found that there is induced charge, say Q, on the inner surface and you know that the sphere was initially neutral, what do you think the total charge on the sphere is? Is it still zero or something else?
 

FAQ: What Is the Charge Distribution on the External Surface of a Conducting Sphere?

What is electrostatics?

Electrostatics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of electric charges, their behavior, and their interactions with each other and with other objects.

What is a problem in electrostatics?

A problem in electrostatics is any situation where electric charges are involved and their behavior needs to be analyzed or predicted. This can include calculating electric fields, forces, potentials, or other parameters related to electric charges.

How do you solve a problem in electrostatics?

To solve a problem in electrostatics, you need to apply the principles and equations of electrostatics, such as Coulomb's law or Gauss's law, to the given situation. This involves identifying the relevant charges, distances, and other parameters and using them to calculate the desired quantities.

What are some common applications of electrostatics?

Electrostatics has many real-world applications, including in electronics, power generation and distribution, and materials science. It is also important in understanding natural phenomena such as lightning, the formation of clouds, and the behavior of atoms and molecules.

How does electrostatics relate to other branches of physics?

Electrostatics is closely related to other branches of physics, such as electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. These fields all describe different aspects of the behavior of matter and energy, and they often overlap and complement each other in their explanations of physical phenomena.

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