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Phys6 42

The document discusses the calculation of the electric field both inside and outside a spherical charge distribution with a given charge density. Using Gauss' Law and the method of shells, the enclosed charge is derived for both regions, leading to expressions for the electric field. The results show that the electric field inside the sphere varies with radius, while outside it behaves as if all charge were concentrated at the center.

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9 views2 pages

Phys6 42

The document discusses the calculation of the electric field both inside and outside a spherical charge distribution with a given charge density. Using Gauss' Law and the method of shells, the enclosed charge is derived for both regions, leading to expressions for the electric field. The results show that the electric field inside the sphere varies with radius, while outside it behaves as if all charge were concentrated at the center.

Uploaded by

hellinarow
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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†

Chapter 6 Problem 42

Given
ρ(r) = ρ0 r/R r≤R
ρ(r) = 0 r>R

Solution
Find the electric field both inside and outside the spherical charge distribution.
From Gauss’ Law
I
~ = Φ = qenc
~ ·A
E
S 0
With spherical symmetry, the area and electric field vectors are parallel, thus eliminating the dot
product. Also in spherical sysmmetry, the electrical field is the same intensity anywhere on the surface.
Since it is constant, the integral just adds up the surface area of a sphere. As a result, Gauss’ Law with
spherical symmetry is
qenc
E(4πr2 ) =
0
and the magnitude of the electric field is
qenc
E= (Eq.1)
4π0 r2
For a radius inside the surface of the sphere, the enclosed charge is the integral of charge density
throughout the volume of the sphere.
Z
qenc = ρdV

Since the charge density is spherically symmetric, the integral for adding charge can use the method of
shells and integrate in the radial direction.
Each shell has a surface area of a sphere and its volume is that area times dr.
dV = 4πr2 dr
Inside the charge distribution, the charge density is given, so it is now a matter of performing the integral.
Z r
4πρ0 r 3
Z
ρ0 r  2
qenc = (4πr dr) = r dr
0 R R 0
4πρ0 r4 πρ0 r4
 
qenc = =
R 4 R
From equation (1) the electric field inside the distribution is then
(πρ0 r4 /R) ρ0 r 2
E= =
4π0 r2 40 R
†
Problem from Univesity Physics by Ling, Sanny and Moebs (OpenStax)
Once you are outside the charge distribution, the charge enclosed no longer increases with radius. Once
the surface, R is reached qenc remains constant. This enclosed charge is
Z R
4πρ0 R 3
Z
ρ0 r  2
qenc = (4πr dr) = r dr
0 R R 0

4πρ0 R4
 
qenc = = πρ0 R3
R 4
From equation (1) the electric field outside the distribution will now have a magnitude of

(πρ0 R3 ) ρ0 R 3
E= =
4π0 r2 40 r2

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