Determine potential outside a sphere

Thread starter Mythbusters
Start date Jan 15, 2010
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Outside Potential Sphere

In summary, the formula for determining the potential outside a sphere is V = kQ/r, where V is the potential, k is the Coulomb constant, Q is the charge of the sphere, and r is the distance from the center of the sphere. The potential outside a sphere varies inversely with distance, meaning it decreases as the distance from the center of the sphere increases. The potential can be negative if the charge of the sphere is negative and the distance is large enough. The potential outside a conducting sphere is constant and does not vary with distance, while the potential outside a non-conducting sphere does vary. Other nearby objects can also affect the potential outside a sphere, but it is primarily determined by the charge and distance of the

Jan 15, 2010

Mythbusters

1. How do I determine the potential in the region outside a sphere, when I have a static charge distribution outside the sphere?

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Jan 16, 2010

CeltIntuition

Consider internal charges inside the sphere that will produce fields that match the boundary conditions.

Cumulative effect of theoretical internal and actual external charges will give you the answer.

Jan 17, 2010

glueball8

Gauss's Law?

1. What is the formula for determining the potential outside a sphere?

The formula for determining the potential outside a sphere is V = kQ/r, where V is the potential, k is the Coulomb constant, Q is the charge of the sphere, and r is the distance from the center of the sphere.

2. How does the potential outside a sphere vary with distance?

The potential outside a sphere varies inversely with distance. This means that as the distance from the center of the sphere increases, the potential decreases.

3. Can the potential outside a sphere be negative?

Yes, the potential outside a sphere can be negative. This occurs when the charge of the sphere is negative and the distance from the center of the sphere is large enough.

4. How does the potential outside a conducting sphere differ from that of a non-conducting sphere?

The potential outside a conducting sphere is constant and does not vary with distance. This is because the charge on a conducting sphere distributes itself evenly on the surface, resulting in a uniform potential. In contrast, the potential outside a non-conducting sphere varies with distance.

5. Can the potential outside a sphere be affected by other nearby objects?

Yes, the potential outside a sphere can be affected by other nearby objects. This is because the potential at a point is influenced by the presence of other charges in the surrounding space. However, the potential outside a sphere is primarily determined by the charge and distance of the sphere itself.