6 Questions
What is the electric field intensity outside a spherical shell?
E = k * q / r^2
What is the electric field intensity inside a spherical shell?
Zero
What is the direction of the electric field intensity on the surface of a spherical shell?
Perpendicular to the surface of the shell
What is the electric field intensity on the surface of a spherical shell?
σ / ε₀
Why does a spherical shell behave like a Faraday cage?
Because the electric field intensity inside the shell is zero
What is the shape of the electric field lines outside a spherical shell?
Radial and outward
Study Notes
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.
This quiz covers the electric field intensity outside and inside a spherical shell or hollow sphere, including the formula and field lines.
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