Electric potential at the center of two concentric shells

AI Thread Summary
The electric potential at the center of two concentric shells, with the inner shell at 10 volts and the outer shell at 5 volts, is determined to be 10 volts due to the electric field being zero at that point. This conclusion is based on the principle that the potential is constant within a shell, similar to a conducting sphere. The discussion raises questions about the necessity of knowing whether the shells are conducting or non-conducting, as well as the charge distribution on the shells. It is suggested that the specific type of shell may not significantly affect the potential at the center. Overall, the key takeaway is that the potential remains at 10 volts, regardless of the shell type, as long as no charges are present inside.
judas_priest
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Homework Statement



If the electric potential of the inner shell is 10 volts and that of outer shell is 5 volts, then the potential at the center will be?

Homework Equations



The radius of inner shell = a (given)
The radius of outer shell = 2a (given)

The Attempt at a Solution



Having read that electric field at the center of a shell is zero, I assume, the potential is constant throughout like in the case of a conducting sphere, and hence the answer is 10 volts. But I could get this answer only after a lot of manipulation, and I'm still not clear about it.

Also, if someone can help me out with why the electric field inside a shell is zero? Doesn't necessarily have to be a conducting shell.
 
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judas_priest said:

Homework Statement



If the electric potential of the inner shell is 10 volts and that of outer shell is 5 volts, then the potential at the center will be?

Homework Equations



The radius of inner shell = a (given)
The radius of outer shell = 2a (given)

The Attempt at a Solution



Having read that electric field at the center of a shell is zero, I assume, the potential is constant throughout like in the case of a conducting sphere, and hence the answer is 10 volts. But I could get this answer only after a lot of manipulation, and I'm still not clear about it.

Also, if someone can help me out with why the electric field inside a shell is zero? Doesn't necessarily have to be a conducting shell.
If it is a conducting shell and there are no isolated charges inside, then the result is quite easy.

If it's not a conducting shell, then we need more information regarding the charge distribution.
 
The question doesn't mention whether it's conducting, or non conducting.
 
judas_priest said:
The question doesn't mention whether it's conducting, or non conducting.
Does it mention charge distribution ?
 
SammyS said:
Does it mention charge distribution ?

No. I've written question as it is. Copied it. Doesn't mention anything.
 
After thinking about this for a while, and in consideration of your replies, I'm quite sure that it doesn't matter whether the shells are conducting or not.

In coming up with your answer, did you determine what charges were on the shells?
 

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