Conducting Spheres in Electrostatic Equilibrium

Thread starter the-alchemist
Start date Mar 4, 2010
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Conducting Conducting spheres Electrostatic Electrostatic equilibrium Equilibrium Spheres

In summary, electrostatic equilibrium is a state in which the net electric charge and electric field within a system are both zero. Conducting spheres are spherical objects made of a material that allows electric charges to move freely within it. They reach electrostatic equilibrium by distributing charges evenly on their surface, resulting in a stable state. This is important as it prevents build-up of excess charge and potential difference. The electric potential between conducting spheres is affected by their size and distance, with larger spheres having a higher potential and closer spheres having a lower potential.

Mar 4, 2010

the-alchemist

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

potential, V = kq/r where k is 1/4 pi epsilon

conservation of charge, sum of q = Q

The Attempt at a Solution

what i did is let q1 + q2 + q3 = 4*10^-4

then let V1 = V2 = V3 and solve for q3

but i end up getting q3 = 0.0002 which is not the correct ans, which is c, 2.06*10^-4

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Mar 4, 2010

the-alchemist

any help? much appreciated!

1. What is electrostatic equilibrium?

Electrostatic equilibrium is a state in which the net electric charge and electric field within a system are both zero. This means that there is no movement of charges or energy within the system, resulting in a stable and balanced state.

2. What are conducting spheres?

Conducting spheres are spherical objects made of a material that allows electric charges to move freely within it. This allows them to maintain a constant electric potential and act as conductors for electricity.

3. How do conducting spheres reach electrostatic equilibrium?

Conducting spheres reach electrostatic equilibrium by allowing charges to distribute themselves evenly on the surface of the sphere. This happens when the electric field inside the sphere is zero, causing all charges to repel each other and settle into a stable state.

4. What is the importance of electrostatic equilibrium in conducting spheres?

Electrostatic equilibrium is important in conducting spheres because it ensures that there is no build-up of excess charge or potential difference. This allows the spheres to maintain a stable state and prevents any potential hazards or disruptions caused by electricity.

5. How is the electric potential affected by the size and distance of conducting spheres?

The electric potential between two conducting spheres is directly proportional to their size and inversely proportional to the distance between them. This means that larger spheres will have a higher potential and closer spheres will have a lower potential, with the potential decreasing as the distance between them increases.