Math Problem Statement

A non-conducting sphere of radius a has a uniform volume charge density ρ. It is surrounded by a non-conducting spherical shell with inner radius b and outer radius c, which carries a total charge Q distributed uniformly throughout the shell. (The shell and sphere are concentric) Find the electric field for: a) r < a b) b > r > a c) b < r < c

Solution

To solve for the electric field EE in the three specified regions, we’ll use Gauss's Law, which states:

EdA=qencϵ0\oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = \frac{q_{\text{enc}}}{\epsilon_0}

where qencq_{\text{enc}} is the charge enclosed within a Gaussian surface and ϵ0\epsilon_0 is the permittivity of free space.

1. Problem Setup

The system consists of:

  • A non-conducting sphere of radius aa with a uniform volume charge density ρ\rho.
  • A non-conducting spherical shell with inner radius bb and outer radius cc, with a total charge QQ distributed uniformly in the shell's volume.

We analyze each region separately, using spherical symmetry.


a) For r<ar < a

In this region, we're inside the uniformly charged sphere of radius aa. For a Gaussian surface at radius rr (where r<ar < a), the enclosed charge qencq_{\text{enc}} within this radius is:

qenc=ρ43πr3q_{\text{enc}} = \rho \cdot \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3

By Gauss's Law:

EdA=E4πr2=ρ43πr3ϵ0\oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = E \cdot 4 \pi r^2 = \frac{\rho \cdot \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3}{\epsilon_0}

Solving for EE:

E=ρr3ϵ0E = \frac{\rho \cdot r}{3 \epsilon_0}

Thus, for r<ar < a:

E=ρr3ϵ0E = \frac{\rho \cdot r}{3 \epsilon_0}


b) For b>r>ab > r > a

In this region, we're outside the charged sphere but inside the uncharged region of the shell. The Gaussian surface now encloses all of the charge within the sphere of radius aa.

The enclosed charge qencq_{\text{enc}} is the total charge in the sphere, which is:

qenc=ρ43πa3q_{\text{enc}} = \rho \cdot \frac{4}{3} \pi a^3

Using Gauss's Law again:

EdA=E4πr2=ρ43πa3ϵ0\oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = E \cdot 4 \pi r^2 = \frac{\rho \cdot \frac{4}{3} \pi a^3}{\epsilon_0}

Solving for EE:

E=ρa33ϵ0r2E = \frac{\rho \cdot a^3}{3 \epsilon_0 r^2}

Thus, for b>r>ab > r > a:

E=ρa33ϵ0r2E = \frac{\rho \cdot a^3}{3 \epsilon_0 r^2}


c) For b<r<cb < r < c

In this region, we're inside the spherical shell. The Gaussian surface now encloses the total charge of the inner sphere and only part of the charge within the shell. Since charge is uniformly distributed in the shell, the electric field at any point within it will only depend on the enclosed charge from the inner sphere and the portion of the shell up to rr.

However, due to the spherical symmetry of the problem, the enclosed charge within the shell will contribute zero net electric field inside itself (using Gauss's law for symmetric charge distributions in shells). Therefore, the electric field here only comes from the charge of the inner sphere. Thus, it remains:

E=ρa33ϵ0r2E = \frac{\rho \cdot a^3}{3 \epsilon_0 r^2}

for b<r<cb < r < c.

Summary of Results

The electric field EE in each region is:

  • For r<ar < a:
    E=ρr3ϵ0E = \frac{\rho \cdot r}{3 \epsilon_0}

  • For b>r>ab > r > a:
    E=ρa33ϵ0r2E = \frac{\rho \cdot a^3}{3 \epsilon_0 r^2}

  • For b<r<cb < r < c:
    E=ρa33ϵ0r2E = \frac{\rho \cdot a^3}{3 \epsilon_0 r^2}

Would you like more details on any part of this explanation, or have additional questions?


Related Questions:

  1. How would the electric field change if the shell was conducting?
  2. What would the electric field look like at r>cr > c?
  3. How does the electric field inside the shell change if QQ varies?
  4. How would we calculate the potential in each region?
  5. What happens to the electric field if the inner sphere’s radius changes?

Tip:

Always check symmetry when applying Gauss's Law; it simplifies calculations significantly by allowing uniform distribution assumptions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Electrostatics
Gauss's Law
Electric Fields

Formulas

Gauss's Law: ∮ E ⋅ dA = q_enc / ε₀
Electric field inside a uniformly charged sphere: E = (ρ * r) / (3ε₀) for r < a
Electric field outside a uniformly charged sphere: E = (ρ * a³) / (3ε₀ * r²) for b > r > a

Theorems

Gauss's Law

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate - College level