Concept/Derivation for total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres

AI Thread Summary
The total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres can be calculated by considering the potential energy of each sphere and the energy required to position them from infinity. The formula includes the potential energy of the inner sphere, the outer sphere, and the energy needed to bring the outer sphere to its concentric position. For conducting spheres, the potential energy can be expressed as PE=(1/2)[Q1 V1 + Q2 V2], where V1 is the potential on the first sphere due to both spheres. If the spheres are not conducting, integration over each surface is necessary for accurate calculations.
Sumedh
Messages
61
Reaction score
0
What will be the total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres.

Will it be
= [P.E. of Inner sphere] + [ P.E. of Outer sphere] + [ Energy required to bring outer sphere from infinity to the present position(i.e. position concentric to inner sphere) ]


OR it


Will it be
= [P.E. of Inner sphere] + [ P.E. of Outer sphere] + [ Energy required to bring outer sphere from infinity to the present position(i.e. position concentric to inner sphere) ]
+[ Energy required to bring inner sphere from infinity to the present position(i.e. position concentric to outer sphere sphere) ]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
PE=(1/2)[Q1 V1 + Q2 V2], where V1 is potential on sphere 1 due to both spheres.
This is for conducting spheres. If not conducting, you have to integrate over eadh surfqce.
 
Thank you very much, I got it:smile:
 
Back
Top