Electric field in a spherical capacitor.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the minimum electric field at the surface of the inner sphere of a spherical capacitor when the potential difference Δϕ is constant. It is established that the minimum electric field occurs when the radius of the inner sphere (a) is half the radius of the outer sphere (b), specifically at a=(1/2)b. The relevant equation for the potential difference is Δϕ=(Q/4πϵ_0)(1/b-1/a), which is crucial for deriving the electric field expression.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical capacitors and their geometry
  • Familiarity with electric field equations in electrostatics
  • Knowledge of potential difference and charge relationships
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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  • Explore the derivation of electric field equations for spherical capacitors
  • Study the implications of varying the radius of spherical capacitor plates
  • Learn about the role of permittivity (ϵ_0) in electric field calculations
  • Investigate practical applications of spherical capacitors in electronic devices
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and electrical engineers interested in capacitor design and electric field analysis.

Felpudio
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Homework Statement



The potential difference Δϕ between the plates of a spherical capacitor is kept constant. Show that then the electric field at the surface of the inner sphere will be a minimum if a=(1/2)b, find that minimum.
Where: a=radius of the inner sphere, b=radius of the outside sphere.

Homework Equations


The potential difference between the plates is [tex]Δϕ=(Q/4πϵ_0)(1/b-1/a)[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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Hi Fel, welcome to PF :smile: !

There is something special about the PF homework part you need to know: the guidelines require you present an attempt at solution !

So no point in erasing part 3 of the template: we can't help until you show an effort!

The Attempt at a Solution


For a start, you might bring in an equation for the electric field at the surface of the inner sphere, expressed in a and ##\Delta \phi##.
 

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