Atomic Charge Distribution
Interactive Simulation
This simulation visualizes the electric field in an atom model with a positive nucleus and uniform negative charge distribution.
Results
Charge density (ρ):
-3Ze/(4πR³)
Electric field at r = 0.5 R:
Ze/(4πε₀)(1/r² - r/R³)
Enclosed charge:
Ze(1 - r³/R³)
Explanation
The example models an atom with:
- Point nucleus with charge +Ze
- Uniform negative charge distribution (radius R) with total charge -Ze
- Overall neutral atom
Key Concepts:
Charge Density: ρ = -3Ze/(4πR³) (Uniform negative charge distribution)
Gauss's Law: ∮E·dA = q_enclosed/ε₀
Electric Field Calculation:
For r < R: E(r) = Ze/(4πε₀)(1/r² - r/R³)
- First term: Nuclear contribution (1/r²)
- Second term: Electron cloud contribution (linear in r)
For r > R: E(r) = 0 (Atom is neutral, no external field)
At r = R: Field is continuous and E(R) = 0