Solid insultaing sphere electric field

In summary, using Gauss' Law and the formula for the volume of a sphere, the electric field inside a solid insulating sphere of radius R with a charge per unit volume of p can be expressed as E = (4pR^2) / (3Eo). This formula should be used to calculate the electric field on a spherical surface with a radius of R/2 inside the sphere. The attempt at a solution should involve expressing the charge within the gaussian surface in terms of ρ and accurately calculating the flux.
  • #1
odyssey4001
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Homework Statement


A solid insulating sphere of radius R carries a charge per unit volume of p. Use Gauss' law to find an expression for the eletric field on a spherical surface of radius R/2 ie: inside the sphere.


Homework Equations


Gauss' Law = (Net Flux = Q / Eo)

Volume of a Sphere = (4/3)(pi)(R^3)


The Attempt at a Solution


I simply combined Gauss' Law and the volume of the sphere to get,

E = (4Q) / [(3)(pi)(Eo)((R/2)^3)]

That seems to easy though have I missed something?
 
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  • #2
odyssey4001 said:
I simply combined Gauss' Law and the volume of the sphere to get,

E = (4Q) / [(3)(pi)(Eo)((R/2)^3)]
Not sure what you did here. What's Q? Express the charge within the gaussian surface in terms of ρ. How do you calculate the flux?
 

Related to Solid insultaing sphere electric field

1. What is a solid insulating sphere electric field?

A solid insulating sphere electric field refers to the electric field that is generated by a charged insulating sphere. The electric field is the force per unit charge that is experienced by other charged particles in the vicinity of the sphere.

2. How is the electric field of a solid insulating sphere calculated?

The electric field of a solid insulating sphere can be calculated using the formula E = kQ/r^2, 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.

3. Does the electric field of a solid insulating sphere depend on its shape or size?

Yes, the electric field of a solid insulating sphere depends on its shape and size. This is because the electric field is affected by the distribution of charge on the surface of the sphere, which can vary depending on the shape and size of the sphere.

4. How does the electric field change as you move away from a solid insulating sphere?

The electric field of a solid insulating sphere follows an inverse square law, which means that as you move away from the sphere, the electric field decreases in strength. This is because the electric field gets spread out over a larger area as you move away from the source.

5. Can the electric field of a solid insulating sphere be zero?

Yes, the electric field of a solid insulating sphere can be zero at the center of the sphere. This is because at the center, the distances from all points on the surface of the sphere are equal, resulting in the cancellation of the electric fields from each point on the surface.

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