Electric Potential at Radius R of Concentric Spheres

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SUMMARY

The electric potential at a radius R of concentric spheres is defined by the equation V = kQ/R, where k is Coulomb's constant and Q is the total charge. In this scenario, the total charge is considered as 2Q when evaluating the potential at a point inside the outer shell. The potential remains constant at V = kQ/R when moving from the outer shell to the inner surface, as the electric field inside the shell is zero, resulting in no change in potential.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electric potential
  • Familiarity with the concept of concentric spheres
  • Knowledge of integrating electric fields to find potential
  • Basic understanding of electrostatics and charge distributions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric potential from electric fields
  • Learn about the properties of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium
  • Explore the concept of electric field inside a spherical shell
  • Investigate applications of electric potential in capacitors and energy storage
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Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric potential in systems involving concentric spheres.

lorx99
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Homework Statement



upload_2018-10-4_21-12-24.png

Homework Equations


V=kQ/R

The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is B)kQ/R. It is because V= k(2Q)/R. I don't understand why Q=2Q in this case. Isn't the point on the inside of the outer shell, so the Q for the equation is just Q?
 

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lorx99 said:

Homework Statement



View attachment 231679

Homework Equations


V=kQ/R

The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is B)kQ/R. It is because V= k(2Q)/R. I don't understand why Q=2Q in this case. Isn't the point on the inside of the outer shell, so the Q for the equation is just Q?
The potential at any point between infinity and the outer side of the outer shell is what?
And going thru the outer shell itself to the inner side of the outer shell changes that potential by how much?
 
rude man said:
The potential at any point between infinity and the outer side of the outer shell is what?
And going thru the outer shell itself to the inner side of the outer shell changes that potential by how much?
Potential from any point between inifitiy and outer side is just V=KQ/R. Going thru the outshell to just inner side of outershell is practically zero? So, is that why it is just V=KQ/R?
 
lorx99 said:
Potential from any point between inifitiy and outer side is just V=KQ/R. Going thru the outshell to just inner side of outershell is practically zero? So, is that why it is just V=KQ/R?
Edit: your answer is right but you reasoned wrong.
What is the distance in this case? What is the total charge?
 
Last edited:
rude man said:
Edit: your answer is right but you reasoned wrong.
What is the distance in this case? What is the total charge?
I am confused. What distance you mean?
 
lorx99 said:
I am confused. What distance you mean?
The distance d in the formula for potential kQ/d. Or, to find the potential by integrating the E field, what are the limits of integration?
 
rude man said:
The distance d in the formula for potential kQ/d. Or, to find the potential by integrating the E field, what are the limits of integration?
I think i understand. First, integrate from infinity to 2R which is K2Q/(2R). Then integrate from outer to inner surface of the outer shell, it would be 0 because E=0 inside the shell since V integeates over the efield which is just zer0. So the potential is KQ/r since the Qs cancel.
 
lorx99 said:
I think i understand. First, integrate from infinity to 2R which is K2Q/(2R). Then integrate from outer to inner surface of the outer shell, it would be 0 because E=0 inside the shell since V integeates over the efield which is just zer0. So the potential is KQ/r since the Qs cancel.
Straight A!
 

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