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

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SUMMARY

The total electric potential energy of two concentric conducting spheres is calculated using the formula PE = (1/2)[Q1 V1 + Q2 V2], where V1 represents the potential on the inner sphere due to both spheres. The energy required to bring the outer sphere from infinity to its current position is included in the total potential energy calculation. For non-conducting spheres, integration over each surface is necessary to determine the potential energy accurately. This discussion clarifies the correct approach to calculating the potential energy in both conducting and non-conducting scenarios.

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  • Understanding of electric potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with the principles of electrostatics
  • Knowledge of conducting and non-conducting materials
  • Basic calculus for integration in non-conducting scenarios
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  • Study the derivation of electric potential energy for concentric spheres
  • Learn about the integration process for non-conducting spheres
  • Explore the implications of charge distribution on electric potential
  • Investigate the differences in potential energy calculations for various geometries
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Sumedh
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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) ]
 
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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:
 

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