Question

1. Can I obtain the net electric field due to a continuous distribution of charges using Coulomb's law?

2. Can I obtain the electric field of a discrete/continuous charge distribution (of simple symmetry) using Gauss's Law?

3. Do I understand the differences in systems involving charged dielectric materials from those involving charged conducting materials?

4. Can I plot graphs of electric fields of a given system and/or discuss the significance of the graph (such as continuity and discontinuity)?

Answer 1

1) By the help of Gauss you can obtain any kiñd of electric field whether it is discrete or continuous charge distribution

2) You can obtain electric field with Gauss law when there is presence of symmetry like spherical , cylindrical or planar you can't get electric field in case of discrete charge distribution e.g electric dipole

3) Yes do understand difference between charged dielectrics and conducting materials because both have different properties like electric field inside conducting materials is zero whereas it is non zero in dielectrics

4) yes you can plot graph of any electric field and can discuss continuity or discontinuity like if a graph has a kink it show discontinuity in charge density or if a graph has a straight line from E axis it show E magnitude is constant and not changing with distance ...