(b)(i) A thin spherical shell of radius R has a uniform surface charge density σ. Using Gauss's law, deduce an expression for the electric field (i) outside and (ii) inside the shell. (ii) Two long straight thin wires AB and CD have linear charge densities 10μC/m and −20μC/m respectively. They are kept parallel to each other at a distance 1 m. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at a point midway between them.
Solution
(i) Concentric Gaussian sphere of radius r. Outside (r>R), enclosed charge σ(4πR2):
E=ε0r2σR2
Inside (r<R), enclosed charge is zero: E=0. (ii) Midway, each wire is at r=0.5m. Field of AB (away from AB):