- #1
ChrisBaker8
- 24
- 0
Homework Statement
Two concentric metal spheres have radii R1 =10cm and R2=10.5cm. The inner sphere has a charge of Q=5 nC spread uniformly over its surface, and the outer sphere has charge −Q spread uniformly over its surface.
Calculate the total energy stored in the electric field between the spheres. (Hint : the spheres can be treated as flat parallel slabs separated by 0.5cm)
Homework Equations
U = 0.5 x C x (V^2)
=(Q x V)/2
Energy Density=1/2 x epsilon_0 x E^2
The Attempt at a Solution
None, unless confused scribbles count. I know I can treat this as a parallel plate capacitor (from the hint), but that doesn't seem to help me.
I've been looking though my textbooks for hours but I can't find a clear way to work this out. I tried using (Q x d) / (A x Permittivity of air) to work out the electric field strength (E), but I didn't know which area to use for A.
If I can work out the energy density of the field, I can multiply it by the volume of the space between the spheres to find the energy stored, but again, I can't work out E.
Last edited: