Are Two Spherical Capacitors in Series Affected by Outer Applied Voltage?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the behavior of two spherical capacitors in series and the calculation of their capacitance. The user has successfully calculated the capacitance using the formula (4*pi*Epsilon(0)*a*b)/(b-a) and is seeking assistance in determining the charge on the inner and outer surfaces. Participants confirm that the capacitors are indeed in series and suggest considering the voltage addition around the circuit. They also note that the inner conductor will not be affected by the outer applied voltage due to electrostatic equilibrium. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding charge distribution in series capacitors.
jay3050
Hello Everybody, I am new to this site, However I have a quick question about the two spherical capacitors.

Please take a look at this link here:

http://online.physics.uiuc.edu/cgi/courses/shell/phys112/summer04/tmau.pl?04/05

This is a problem about two spherical capacitors and I believe they are in series, If anyone could please help me out!

If you need any more clarification please let me know!

Thank You very Much!
 
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To calculate the capacitances, put a charge +Q on the inner sphere and -Q on the outer and find the voltage difference that results. Then C=Q/V, and this can be used in the usual way to get the answers to the second part.
 
What is you question? Please show us something of what you have done. Yes the caps are in series.
 
Two Capacitors

Hello all,

I have the found the capacitance of the spheres by using

(4*pi*Epsilon(0)*a*b)/(b-a) where a & b are in meters, for the first one and for the second capacitance i used the above formula and multiplied it by the k!

All I need help is, is with finding the charge Q on the inner and and the outer surface, All I could possibly think about it is that it they are in series!


Thanks
Please Help!
 
jay3050 said:
(4*pi*Epsilon(0)*a*b)/(b-a) where a & b are in meters, for the first one and for the second capacitance i used the above formula and multiplied it by the k!
Good.

All I need help is, is with finding the charge Q on the inner and and the outer surface, All I could possibly think about it is that it they are in series!
Two hints:
In going around the circuit, what must the voltages add to?
Since the inner conductors are connected, what must be their total charge?
 
Is it actually possible? The inner shell wouldn't feel a thing of the outer applied voltage, would it? (being a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium)
 
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