Question

the electric field produced by a uniform sphere of charge (both inside and outside the sphere). We inherently assumed the sphere was made of a dielectric material. How would the electric field be different if the sphere were a conductor with the same total net charge (q)? Your answer does not need to involve an equation. Instead, provide a concise explanation for why the electric field would be different or the same (both inside and outside the sphere).

Answer 1

Electric Field will be different.

Explaination :

Case 1 :

we are given a Sphere with charges distributed both inside and outside of it. In this case, by applying Gauss Law of Electrostatics,

If we take Gaussian surface inside the Sphere, charge will always be enclosed by the Gaussian surface and hence, Electric Field is present inside.

If we take Gaussian surface outside the Sphere, Electric field will always be present at any distance from the sphere because charges are present on the surface of Sphere.

Case 2 :

If the Sphere was a conductor, charges will not be present inside the Sphere and will only be present on the surface of Sphere. This would lead to Zero Electric Field inside the Sphere according to Gauss law of Electrostatics.

However, for any distance r > R ( Radius of Spherical conductor ), Electric Field will exist because charges are distributed on the surface.