Electric Potential conducting shell

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a thin, spherical, conducting shell charged to a potential of -V and an electron fired towards it from a distance. The context is centered around electric potential and energy conservation principles in electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate kinetic energy and potential energy to find the initial speed needed for the electron. Some participants question the meaning of \Delta u and its connection to electric potential, while others clarify that \Delta U represents changes in potential energy.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between kinetic and potential energy, with some providing insights into the conservation of energy principle. There is ongoing inquiry about the specifics of the potential value and its implications for the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the value of "V" and how it affects the calculations, which may impact the overall understanding of the problem.

suspenc3
Messages
400
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A thin, spherical, conducting shell of radius R is mounted on an isolating support and charged to a potential of -V. An electron is then fired from point P at a distance r from the center of the shell. (r>>R) with an initial speed v_0 and directly towards the shell's center. What value of v_0 is needed for the electron to just reach the shell before reversing direction?


Homework Equations


\Delta u = \frac{1}{2}mv_0^2


The Attempt at a Solution



v_0=\sqrt{\frac{2 \Delta u}{m}}

Im not sure if this is what I should do, if so, how can I get something for \Delta u
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the PHYSICS underlying the "relevant equation"?
What does \Delta u mean? and how is it related to the "Electric Potential"?
 
robphy said:
What is the PHYSICS underlying the "relevant equation"?
Conservation of Energy Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy = Constant.
robphy said:
What does Delta u mean? and how is it related to the "Electric Potential"?
Delta U = changes in Potential Energy
= e*V

Regards,

Nacer.
 
does "V" have a value?
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
873
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
44
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K