- #1
Saitama
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Conducting sphere connected to the ground
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around a problem involving a conducting sphere connected to the ground, focusing on the charge movement and potential differences. The subject area includes electrostatics and charge distribution in conductors.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants discuss the implications of the sphere being at zero potential and the expected charge flow from the ground. Questions arise regarding the sphere's inner and outer radii and their relevance to the problem. There is also exploration of the relationship between potential difference and charge movement.
Discussion Status
The conversation is ongoing, with participants offering hints and clarifications about the setup and charge behavior. Some guidance has been provided regarding the connection of the wire and the nature of the charges involved, but no consensus has been reached on the interpretation of the problem.
Contextual Notes
There are mentions of potential differences and the behavior of charges on the sphere, as well as confusion regarding the diagram's representation of the sphere's dimensions. The problem's constraints and specific details are under discussion, but no resolution has been achieved.
- #2
Simon Bridge
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Hint:
1. wire is connected to inner surface.
2. it asks for charge moved from the sphere and to the ground.
The text says "sphere radius r" but the diagram shows a sphere inner radius r and an unspecified outer radius. Does it make a difference?
1. wire is connected to inner surface.
2. it asks for charge moved from the sphere and to the ground.
The text says "sphere radius r" but the diagram shows a sphere inner radius r and an unspecified outer radius. Does it make a difference?
- #3
SammyS
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[ IMG]https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58610&d=1368159359[/PLAIN]Pranav-Arora said:Homework Statement
(see attachment)
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
The ground is at zero potential. Hence, the sphere should be also at zero potential. The net charge should be zero, so a charge of -Q should flow from the ground to sphere. But this is wrong.
One could state the result as you have, but that wasn't what the question asked.
Last edited:
- #4
Saitama
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Simon Bridge said:
The inner surface has no charge according to the figure. So a charge of +Q should flow to the ground for a negative charge of -Q to appear and bring the potential down to zero?
Simon Bridge[/quote said:
No idea about this.
- #5
ehild
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The problem asks the charge flowing from the sphere to the ground. The whole sphere is at the same potential (both outside and inside) Current flows if there is potential difference across the resistance, between the sphere and the ground. Till there are charges on the sphere, there is potential difference. That negative charge you speak about does not appear, but the positive disappears
ehild.
ehild.
- #6
Saitama
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ehild said:The problem asks the charge flowing from the sphere to the ground. The whole sphere is at the same potential (both outside and inside) Current flows if there is potential difference across the resistance, between the sphere and the ground. Till there are charges on the sphere, there is potential difference. That negative charge you speak about does not appear, but the positive disappears
ehild.
Got it, thanks ehild!
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