Electric and gravitatioanl potential energy of two concentric shells

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of electric and gravitational potential energy between two concentric shells of different radii and opposite charges. The potential energy equations are mentioned as -QQ/(r2) or -QQ/(r2-r1) for electric potential energy and m1m2/r2 or m1m2/(r2-r1) for gravitational potential energy.
  • #1
hangainlover
83
0

Homework Statement


Although it is not a homework question , i thought the formati is pretty much comparable
I thought of this model and can't come to a convincing conclusion.
we have two concentric shells, one of radius r1 of charge Q and the other of radius r2 of charge -Q.
r1< r2
What is the electric potential energy U between the two shells?
is it just -QQ/(r2) since the inner shell is just like a point charge?
or should it be -QQ/(r2-r1) the distance between the two surfaces?
What about their gravitational potential energy between the two shells?
m1m2/r2 or m1m2/(r2-r1)


Homework Equations


Q1Q2/r
and m1m2/r


The Attempt at a Solution


my attempt is as follows above
 
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  • #2
:Electric Potential Energy = -QQ/(r2) or -QQ/(r2-r1)Gravitational Potential Energy = m1m2/r2 or m1m2/(r2-r1)
 

What is electric potential energy?

Electric potential energy is the potential energy that an object has due to its position in an electric field. It is the energy required to move a charged object from one point to another in an electric field.

What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy that an object has due to its position in a gravitational field. It is the energy required to move an object from one point to another in a gravitational field.

How is electric potential energy calculated for two concentric shells?

The electric potential energy for two concentric shells can be calculated using the equation U = Q1Q2/4πεr, where Q1 and Q2 are the charges on the two shells, ε is the permittivity of the medium, and r is the distance between the two shells.

How is gravitational potential energy calculated for two concentric shells?

The gravitational potential energy for two concentric shells can be calculated using the equation U = Gm1m2/r, where m1 and m2 are the masses of the two shells, G is the gravitational constant, and r is the distance between the two shells.

What are some real-life applications of electric and gravitational potential energy of two concentric shells?

One example of the use of electric potential energy in two concentric shells is in capacitors, which store electric energy. Gravitational potential energy in two concentric shells can be seen in the orbits of celestial bodies, such as the Earth and the Moon.

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