A positive point chargeq sits at the center of a hollow spherical shell. The shell, with radius R and negligible thickness, has net charge -2q. Find an expression for the electric field strength (a) inside the sphere, r<K, and (b) outside the sphere, r>K. In what direction does the electric field point in each case?

Short Answer

Expert verified

a.Expression for the electric field Er<Ris14πϵoqr2and the direction is outward.

b.Expression for the electric field Er>Ris14πϵo-qr2and the direction is inward the sphere.

Step by step solution

01

Formula for electric flux

Electric flux,

Φe=EA=Qinϵo

E=QinϵoA...1

02

Expression for electric field and direction at r<K(part a)

(a).

Assume K=R

For distance r<R(inside the sphere):

The charge enclosed is +q.

So,

Qin=+q

The gaussian surface's area islocalid="1648761261922" A=4πr2.

Substitute all values in equation 1,

We get,

Er<R=QinϵoA

localid="1648761160531" =qϵo4πr2

=14πϵoqr2

Because the electric field points outward from the positive charge, the electric field's direction is outward from the sphere.

03

Expression for electric field and direction at r>K(part b)

(b).

Assume K=R

For distance r>R(outside the sphere):

The charge enclosed is +qand -2q.

So,

Qin=+q+(-2q)=-q

The gaussian surface's area is role="math" localid="1648761665087" A=4πr2.

Substitute all values in equation1,

We get,

Er>R=QinϵoA

=-qϵo4πr2

role="math" localid="1648761787492" =14πϵo-qr2

The electric field is directed inward the sphere because it is directed inward the negative charge.

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