Capacitance and induced charge of a spherical Capacitor + dielectric

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculation of capacitance and induced charge in a spherical capacitor with a dielectric. The voltage across the capacitor is derived using the integral of the electric field, leading to the formula for capacitance C = Q/V. The participants explore the relationship between the electric field in the dielectric and the induced charge, questioning the validity of the equation Q - Q' = Q/k for induced charge Q'. Additionally, Gauss's law is suggested as a method to determine the location of induced charges within the dielectric material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and potentials in electrostatics.
  • Familiarity with spherical capacitors and their capacitance formulas.
  • Knowledge of dielectrics and their effect on electric fields, specifically the dielectric constant (k).
  • Proficiency in applying Gauss's law to electrostatic problems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of capacitance for spherical capacitors with dielectrics.
  • Learn about the application of Gauss's law in determining electric fields in various geometries.
  • Research the concept of induced charge and its dependence on dielectric materials.
  • Explore the relationship between electric field strength and dielectric constant in detail.
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titansarus
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Homework Statement
We have two conductor spherical shells with radius ##a## and ##b## with charges +Q and -Q and a dielectric ##k## with thickness ##d## is put in distance ##c## from the center. (As in the picture

I) Find the Capacitance of capacitor?

II) Find the induced charge inside dielectric in a position with radial distance$r$ where $c<r<c+d$
Relevant Equations
##C = Q/V , V =-\int E.ds ##
I) For the first part I used:

##V = - \int E ds = \int_a^c \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} Q /r^2 dr+ \int_c^{c+d} \frac{1}{k} \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} Q /r^2 dr + \int_{c+d}^b \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} Q /r^2 dr ##

And by using ##C = Q/V## We get an answer which is somehow large for writing here but It is just a bit of algebra after evaluating those integrals.

II) For this part I am not sure what should I use. If I say that ##E_{in ~dielectric} = \frac{1}{k} E_{without~dielectric} ## We get ##Q - Q' = Q/k## where Q' is induced charge. But I am not sure is it safe to use this equation in this part? The answer isn't in terms of ##r## radial distance.
physics question 10.png
 
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titansarus said:
I) For the first part I used:

##V = - \int E ds = \int_a^c \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} Q /r^2 dr+ \int_c^{c+d} \frac{1}{k} \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} Q /r^2 dr + \int_{c+d}^b \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} Q /r^2 dr ##

And by using ##C = Q/V## We get an answer which is somehow large for writing here but It is just a bit of algebra after evaluating those integrals.

II) For this part I am not sure what should I use. If I say that ##E_{in ~dielectric} = \frac{1}{k} E_{without~dielectric} ## We get ##Q - Q' = Q/k## where Q' is induced charge. But I am not sure is it safe to use this equation in this part? The answer isn't in terms of ##r## radial distance.View attachment 242350
Where is the induced charge located in the dielectric? Does it make sense to expect variation with r?
EDIT: Use Gauss's law to determine where the induced charges reside. You know how E varies with k.
 

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