How Does Charge Distribution Affect Fields and Energy in Nested Conductors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the electrostatics of nested conductors, specifically a solid conducting sphere and a surrounding spherical shell. The problem involves calculating electric field vectors (E), electric flux density (D), and polarization (P) in various regions, as well as determining the total energy in the system given specific charge distributions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definitions of D, E, and P, with some clarifying their meanings. There are attempts to outline the electric field behavior in different regions based on the conductor's properties. Questions arise regarding the contribution of the inner charge to the energy of the system and whether it should be considered in calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on concepts and exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the electric field in specific regions, but there is no explicit consensus on the contributions of charges to the energy calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available and the assumptions that can be made. The dielectric constant of the medium is specified, which may influence the calculations discussed.

DR33
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Here's the problem that I have been trying to solve:

A solid conducting sphere of radius 20cm is concentrically placed inside a spherical shell of inner radius 30 cm and outer radius 40cm. A Charge of 20uC is placed on the inner sphere, and a charge of -10uC is placed on the outer conductor. The dielectric constant of the medium between the 2 conductors is 5. Finc:
a) D, E and P at all points in space (all vectors)
b) the total energy in the system

Can anyone help me resolve this . Thakn you.
 
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What do you mean by D, E and P?
E = Electric field?
D, P = ?
Thanks
 
D = Electric Flux Density
P = Dipole Moment per unit Volume
 
..

Anyone?
 
[tex]R_1 = 0.2m, R_2 = 0.3m, R_3 = 0.4m[/tex]
For [tex]r < R_1[/tex],
Since the solid sphere is a conductor, the E field will be 0.
For [tex]R_1 < r < R_2[/tex],
[tex]\phi = \frac{q_{in}}{\varepsilon}[/tex]
[tex]\phi = E\times 4\Pi r^2[/tex]
So [tex]E = ...[/tex]
For [tex]R_2 < r < R_3[/tex],
It's same with first one.
For [tex]r > R_3[/tex],
Use the method as for [tex]R_1 < r < R_2[/tex] with [tex]q_{in}[/tex] being changed to [tex]-10\mu C[/tex] (I don't know if the inner most charge has to be taken into account because it's bounded by the spherical conductor, correct me if I'm wrong)
As for the energy, would the inner charge contribute energy to the system?
 

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