Potential energy of a shell and a disc, both covered uniformly with charge

In summary, potential energy is the stored energy an object possesses based on its position or configuration. A shell is a hollow, spherical object while a disc is a flat, circular object. They differ in shape and surface area. The potential energy of an object increases with the amount of charge it possesses, as the force between two charged objects is directly proportional to their charge. The potential energy of a shell or disc with uniform charge can be calculated using the formula U = (kQq)/r. This energy can be converted into other forms through mechanical work, heat, and chemical reactions.
  • #1
Gursimran Singh
1
0
Homework Statement
A thin disc of radius R is held closing the opening of a thin hemispherical shell of the same radius. Both the bodies are made of insulating materials and have uniform charges of surface charge density Sigma each. The plate is released with shell fixed. Find maximum kinetic energy of plate after being released?
Relevant Equations
PE = k(q1)(q2)/r
Double integration maybe?? I calculated potential due to shell on plate's center but not on other points on it's surface.
 
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  • #2
I find it hard to give a hint for this problem without destroying the "ah ha!". Forget any integration.

I found it helpful to think about the work I'd have to do to bring the disk in from infinity in order to cap the hemisphere.
 
  • #3
A bit more help:
Try to replace the hemispherical distribution of charge with a different geometrical distribution such that it would be easier to determine the potential energy of the disk and such that it might help in determining the potential energy for the hemispherical case.
 

1. What is potential energy?

Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or configuration. It is the energy that an object has the potential to convert into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy.

2. How is potential energy related to a shell and a disc covered with charge?

The potential energy of a shell and a disc covered with charge is directly proportional to the amount of charge on the objects and inversely proportional to the distance between them. As the distance between the objects decreases, the potential energy increases.

3. How does the charge distribution affect the potential energy of the objects?

The potential energy of the objects is affected by the charge distribution because the potential energy is directly proportional to the amount of charge on the objects. If the charge is evenly distributed, the potential energy will be evenly distributed as well. However, if the charge is unevenly distributed, the potential energy will be higher in areas with more charge.

4. What is the formula for calculating potential energy of a shell and a disc covered with charge?

The formula for calculating potential energy of a shell and a disc covered with charge is U = k(q1q2)/r, where U is the potential energy, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges on the objects, and r is the distance between the objects.

5. How is the potential energy of a shell and a disc affected by the distance between them?

The potential energy of a shell and a disc is inversely proportional to the distance between them. This means that as the distance between the objects increases, the potential energy decreases. As the distance decreases, the potential energy increases.

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