Electric Potential in a Conductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential, V(r), in a system consisting of a hollow metal spherical shell with charge -q and a solid metal sphere with charge +q. The potential is derived for three regions: A (r < ra), B (ra < r < rb), and C (r > rb). The solutions provided are V(r) = k[(q/ra) - (q/rb)] for region A and V(r) = 0 for region C, where k = 1/(4πε₀). The confusion arises regarding the constant potential within the solid sphere and the summation of potentials from both the hollow shell and the solid sphere.

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saugei
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#1. We have a hollow metal spherical shell with charge -q and with radius rb
#2. We have a soild metal sphere supported by an insulating stand with charge +q and radius rb
#3. The solid metal sphere is located in the center of the hollow metal spherical shell (aka. #2 is in #1)
The question asks me to calculate the potential, V(r) when:
A. r < ra
B. ra < r < rb
C. r > rb

The solution:

A. k*[(q/ ra)-(q/ rb)] where k= 1/(4*pi*epsilon_0)

C. k*[(q/r)-(q/r)] = 0


What I don’t understand:

A. The electric field in #2 is 0; hence the electric potential should be constant. So, I would think that the potential of r < ra should be V=k*(q/ ra) because it is telling us to find the potential inside of ra which should be a constant throughout the solid sphere. Right? Then how come the answer gives me the sum of the electric potential for #1 and #2??

C. I got totally lost at part C any clue please?
 
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