Electric Field & Potential from Two Conductors

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field and potential from two concentric conducting spherical shells with specified charges and radii. The electric field is determined to be zero inside the inner shell, follows a specific formula between the shells, and combines both charges outside the outer shell. The user initially struggles with calculating the electric potential, particularly how to handle the changing electric field during integration. Ultimately, the confusion is resolved by splitting the integral to apply the correct electric field for each region. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding how to approach problems involving varying electric fields in electrostatics.
Potatochip911
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Homework Statement


Two isolated, concentric, conducting spherical shells have radii R1=0.500 m and R2=1.00 m, uniform charges q1=2.00 mC and q2=1.00 mC, and negligible thicknesses. What is the magnitude of the electric field E at radial distance (a) r=4.00 m, (b) r=0.700 m, and (c) r=0.200 m? With V=0 at infinity, what is V at (d) r=4.00 m, (e) r=1.00 m, (f) r=0.700 m, (g) r=0.500 m,(h) r=0.200 m, and (i) r=0? ( j) Sketch E(r) and V(r).

Homework Equations


##\oint \vec{E}\cdot\vec{dA}=\frac{q_{encl}}{\varepsilon_0}##
##V_f-V_i=-\int_i^f\vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}##

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not having any trouble with the electric fields so I will just list the results:

##r<R_1, \hspace{5mm} E=0##
##R_1<r<R_2, \hspace{5mm} E=\frac{q_1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 r^2}##
##R_1<R_2<r, \hspace{5mm} E=\frac{q_1+q_2}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 r^2}##

I am quite confused by the electric potential however, taking ##V_i=0## at infinity, I don't understand the process of calculating the electric potential.

$$V=-\int_{\infty}^{r}\vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}$$

I'm not sure what to replace ##d\vec{s}## with, perhaps a vector ##d\vec{r}## that goes outwards radially and then integrating along the radius. Although, suppose I want to integrate to an ##r>R_2##, the Electric Field changes throughout the the integration at points ##r=R_1## and ##r=R_2##. How would I go about doing this?

Edit: Solved, split integral up so that the correct electric field is in place for the desired radius
 
Last edited:
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Well done.
 
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