Chapter 21.1, Problem 11PP

To determine

Net charge on the sphere.

Answer to Problem 11PP

  

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Electric field towards the sphere.

Distance from small sphere, .

Formula Used:

Strength of electric field at distance d away from point charge is given by,

  

Where, is electric field strength, is Coulomb’s constant, is the point charge and is distance from the point charge.

Calculation:

Since,

Assume small sphere as a point charge.

So, on putting the values,

  

As, electric filed is directed inward for negative point charge.

Since, the electric field lines are directed toward the sphere. It means charge on sphere is negative.

So,

Conclusion:

Therefore, the net charge on sphere is .