
Solution:
To calculate the electric field in the overlap region, we use the principle of superposition of electric fields. Let's analyze:
Step 1: Electric field due to one sphere
For a uniformly charged non-conducting sphere, the electric field inside the sphere at a distance \vec{r} from the center is:
\vec{E}_{\text{sphere}} = \frac{\rho}{3\epsilon_0} \vec{r}
Here:
- \rho is the charge density of the sphere,
- \epsilon_0 is the permittivity of free space,
- \vec{r} is the position vector from the center of the sphere.
Step 2: Contribution of both spheres in the overlap region
- For the positively charged sphere (+\rho), the electric field at any point in the overlap region is directed **away** from its center, proportional to \vec{r}_1 (distance from its center).
- For the negatively charged sphere (-\rho), the electric field at any point in the overlap region is directed **toward** its center, proportional to \vec{r}_2 (distance from its center).
Thus, the net electric field is the vector sum:
\vec{E}_{\text{net}} = \frac{\rho}{3\epsilon_0} \vec{r}_1 + \frac{-\rho}{3\epsilon_0} \vec{r}_2
Step 3: Relation between \vec{r}_1, \vec{r}_2, and \vec{d}
In the overlap region, \vec{r}_1 - \vec{r}_2 = \vec{d}, where \vec{d} is the displacement vector between the centers of the two spheres.
Substitute this into the expression for \vec{E}_{\text{net}}:
\vec{E}_{\text{net}} = \frac{\rho}{3\epsilon_0} (\vec{r}_1 - \vec{r}_2) = \frac{\rho}{3\epsilon_0} \vec{d}
Final Answer:
The electric field in the overlap region is:
{\frac{\rho}{3\epsilon_0} \vec{d}}
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