σ = a r cos x , where x is the polar angle .
Polar angle means the angle made by the field vetor with the z - axis .
Now , the field is wrapped around the sphere in such a way that at the end points of a certain diameter , the field is zero and on either side of the diameter , the field is either negative or positive .
You can think of the sphere as superposition of 2 spheres , one having a +ve charge and another having a - ve charge , each being of same size .
So , the portion at the intersection of the 2 spheres has uniform electric field ,
E = Ï L / 3 ε 0 , where L is the vector separating the center of the two spheres .
Now , you have to find σ in terms of Ï and r only , otherewise you cannot express the result .
As the field is uniform , hence σ = Ï x ( the width of the intersected portion ) = Ï x d ( suppose )
From the figure , try to prove geometrically that , d = | L | cos x .
Hence , σ = a | R | cos x = Ï | L | cos x
Hence , a | R | = Ï | L |
Substituting the value , we get , E = - a R / 3 ε 0
The minus sign comes because the field vector is oppositely directed as compared to the z - axis .
P . S ------ Capital letters mean vetors . | K | means magnitude of vetor K . The bigger the " + " and " - " signs are , the bigger is the field there . The pink part of the picture is the distance " d " .