Electric Field Intensity of a Spherical Shell

Electric Field Intensity due to a Spherical Shell or Hollow Sphere

Outside the Shell (r > R)

• The electric field intensity (E) is the same as that of a point charge q located at the center of the shell.
• E = k * q / r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant and r is the distance from the center of the shell.
• The field lines are radial and outward, just like those of a point charge.

Inside the Shell (r < R)

• The electric field intensity (E) is zero everywhere inside the shell.
• This is because the field lines that enter the shell also exit the shell, resulting in a net electric field of zero.
• The shell behaves like a Faraday cage, shielding the interior from external electric fields.

On the Surface of the Shell (r = R)

• The electric field intensity (E) is perpendicular to the surface of the shell.
• E = σ / ε₀, where σ is the surface charge density and ε₀ is the permittivity of free space.
• The electric field is maximum at the surface of the shell.

Note: R is the radius of the spherical shell, q is the total charge on the shell, and k is Coulomb's constant.

Electric Field Intensity due to a Spherical Shell or Hollow Sphere

Outside the Shell (r > R)

• Electric field intensity (E) is the same as that of a point charge q located at the center of the shell.
• E = k * q / r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant and r is the distance from the center of the shell.
• Field lines are radial and outward, just like those of a point charge.

Inside the Shell (r < R)

• Electric field intensity (E) is zero everywhere inside the shell.
• Field lines that enter the shell also exit the shell, resulting in a net electric field of zero.
• The shell behaves like a Faraday cage, shielding the interior from external electric fields.

On the Surface of the Shell (r = R)

• Electric field intensity (E) is perpendicular to the surface of the shell.
• E = σ / ε₀, where σ is the surface charge density and ε₀ is the permittivity of free space.
• Electric field is maximum at the surface of the shell.