Electric field in a hemisphere

In summary, the problem asks to calculate the electric field at the center of curvature of a hemisphere with a uniform surface charge distribution. The surface charge density is given by sigma = Q/(2*PI*r^2) and can be divided into a series of rings, with each ring carrying a charge dQ=sigma*2*PI*dr. At the center of curvature, only the z-component of the electric field is present. To find dE_z, dQ is expressed as sigma dA, where dA is the area in spherical polar coordinates. For half a sphere, the values of theta and phi are known.
  • #1
captainjack2000
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Homework Statement


Charge Q is distributed uniformly over surface of a hemisphere of radius r. Calculate electric field at centre of curvature of hemisphere.


Homework Equations


I realize that this should be quite straightforward but I am a bit confused.
The total charge Q is distributed over surface of hemisphere with surface charge density sigma where
sigma = Q/(2*PI*r^2)
I think you would then divide the hemisphere into a series of rings where each ring would carry a charge
dQ=sigma*2*PI*dr ?

At the centre of curvature the components of electric field perpendicular to the axis will cancel so you will only have electric field along the axis z.

Not quite sure where to go from here.





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
You're correct in saying that there only is a z-component of the field so express dE_z in terms of dE.

You also know that dQ=\sigma dA. What is dA in spherical polar coordinates? What are the values of \theta and \phi for half a sphere?
 
Last edited:

Related to Electric field in a hemisphere

1. What is an electric field in a hemisphere?

The electric field in a hemisphere refers to the force per unit charge experienced by a charged particle placed at any point inside the hemisphere. It is a vector quantity that represents the direction and magnitude of the electric force.

2. How is the electric field in a hemisphere calculated?

The electric field in a hemisphere can be calculated using the formula E = Q/4πε0R2, where Q is the charge of the hemisphere, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and R is the radius of the hemisphere.

3. What factors affect the electric field in a hemisphere?

The electric field in a hemisphere is affected by the charge of the hemisphere, the distance from the center of the hemisphere, and the permittivity of the material surrounding the hemisphere.

4. How does the electric field vary in a hemisphere?

In a hemisphere, the electric field varies based on the distance from the center of the hemisphere. As the distance increases, the electric field decreases.

5. What are the applications of electric field in a hemisphere?

The electric field in a hemisphere has various applications, including in electrostatic generators, capacitors, and electron microscopy. It is also used in understanding the behavior of charged particles in electromagnetic fields.

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