Electro-Magnetic Field Theory Module 1

Lecture Notes 15

Application Of Gauss Law For Some Symmetrical Charge Distribution

From Gauss Law

Q=  D .ds
S
s

Ds can be determined if the charge distribution is known.

A closed surface has to be chosen which satisfied the two conditions.
1. Ds is every where either normal or tangential li the closed surface so that Ds.ds
becomes either Dsds or zero resply.
2. On that portion of the closed surface for which Ds.ds is not zero Ds = constant.

Case1: consider a point charge ‘Q’ at the origin of a spherical surface co-ordinates
system. Consider a spherical surface centered at origin and radius r. Ds is everywhere
normal li the surface. Ds has the same value at all points on the surface.
Then
Q =  D.ds =  D.ds
S Sph
2 
= Ds  D.ds = Ds   r2sin d d
O O
Sph
2
= 4r Ds.
Q Q
 Ds = ar & E = ar
4 r 2
4  r 2
Case 2 : Consider a uniform line charge distribution l lying along z.axis. and extending
from -  li t IE is know that for a uniform line charge only the radial component of D is
present.

Figure:

A cylindrical surface can be chosen to which Dr is every where normal A closed right
circular cylinder of radius ‘r’ extending from z=0 to z >l is shown in figure applying
gauss law.

Q =  Ds.ds = 
c 41
Top
Ds.ds + 
sides
Ds.ds + 
Bottom
Ds.ds

= Ds  ds + 0 + 0
sides
 L 2
= Ds   r d dz
O O
= Ds 2  r l
Q
= Dr =
2 rL
In terms of charge density Q = SLL.

Dr. B. I. Neeelgar, ECE, SoE, DSU

Electro-Magnetic Field Theory Module 1
Lecture Notes 15

L L L
 Ds = E= aρ
2 rL 2  r

E due to infinite sheet of charge using Gauss law

D = D2 a2
Apply Gauss law
s  d s = Q =  D.ds

= D2   ds   ds 
 Top Bottim 
 S A = D2 [A+A]

 D = s a2
2
s
: E = a2
2

Problems
1. By using Gauss law develop on expression for electric field intensity in the dielectric
medium between concentric spherical conductor having radius R1 & R2 charged with +Q
and Q coulombs respectively.

R2

Q Q
4 o r12 4 o r 2
E

-Q

r
Q
4 o r2 2

Solution: Assume that charges are uniformly distributed our spn sheets.
(i) for r < R1

Dr. B. I. Neeelgar, ECE, SoE, DSU

Electro-Magnetic Field Theory Module 1
Lecture Notes 15

 D.ds =Q
Since no charge is enclosed
 D.ds = 0
o  E.ds = 0
E=0 r < R1

(ii) For R1  r  R2
For r  R1
 D.ds = Q
is  oE4r2 = Q
Q
E= R1  r  R2
4 o r 2

Q
& E= at r = R1
4 o r 2

(iii) For r  R1
At any point out side both the shells charge enclosed is +Q – Q = 0
E=0 r > R2
E=0 r < R1
Q
E= r = R1
4 o r 2

Q
E= R1  r  R2
4 o r 2
Q
E= r = R2
4 o r 2
E=0 at r > R2

2. A charge at +Q coulombs is distributed uniformly throughout the volume of a sphere

of radius R meter. Find E everywhere.

Solution

Dr. B. I. Neeelgar, ECE, SoE, DSU

Electro-Magnetic Field Theory Module 1
Lecture Notes 15

+Q
Figure:

0 R

(i) r<R
Since charge Q is uniformly distributed ever the entire volume. The charge
enclosed by a concentric sphere of radius r < R is proportional to volume of radius r.

4 3
i.e Qr 
3
r  D.ds =Q
4 3 2 
But Q 
3
r  
0 0
D r2 sin ddr = Q
3
Qr  r 
 = 
Q R

From gauss law

 D.ds  Q
o  E.ds  Qr
Qr
E=
4 o r 2
1 r3 Qr
= .Q = ar
4 o r 2 R 3 4 o R 3

Thus E increases with r and reaches the maximum at r = R.

 E at the surface at r = R

Qr Qr
E= = ar
4 o R 3
4 o R 2
For r > R

Dr. B. I. Neeelgar, ECE, SoE, DSU

Electro-Magnetic Field Theory Module 1
Lecture Notes 15

 D.ds
Is  oE4r2 = Q

Q
E= ar
4 o r 2
Qr
Thus E = ar r < R
4 o R 3
Qr
= ar r = R
4 o R 2

Qr
= ar r > R
4 o R 2

Dr. B. I. Neeelgar, ECE, SoE, DSU