What is the potential of the bigger sphere when the smaller sphere touches it?

In summary, the problem involves a spherical conductor of radius 2 m with a charge of 120V being placed inside a larger spherical conductor of radius 6 m. The potential of the larger sphere when the two spheres touch each other can be found by equating the potentials of the two spheres, but this does not provide a solution. Instead, the sum of the final charges on the spheres will be equal to the initial charge, and this can be used to find the potential of the larger sphere.
  • #1
kihr
102
0

Homework Statement


A spherical conductor of radius 2 m is charged to 120V. It is now placed inside another hollow spherical conductor of radius 6m. Calculate the potential to which the bigger sphere would be raised if the smaller sphere were made to touch the bigger sphere.


Homework Equations


Potential of a sphere = Q / 4*pi*E*r [ E = permittivity of medium]


The Attempt at a Solution



The potential of the smaller sphere = Q / 4*pi*E*2 Volts
Q= 4*pi*E*2*120
The same value of charge Q is induced on the outer surface of the larger sphere ( and -Q is induced on its inner surface).
Therefore, the potential of the outer sphere (before the two spheres touch each other) = Q / 4*pi*E*6 + Q / 4*pi*E*6 Volts [the first value is due to the charge on the inner sphere, and the second value is due to the charge on the outer sphere]

When the two spheres touch each other, charge flows from the inner sphere (which is at a higher potential) to the outer sphere till both the spheres reach the same value of potential.

I am, however, unable to proceed further to find out the potential to which the bigger sphere would be raised. Could someone please help with a few clues? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
...Net charge is conserved...
The sum of the final charges on the spheres will be equal to the initial one...
 
  • #3
Yes, but this is still not helping me to find the potential of the bigger sphere! This is because when I calculate the potentials of the two spheres and equate them (since the potentials are the same when they are in contact with each other) the potential of the bigger sphere cancels out. I think the problem lies elsewhere.
 

What is electrostatic potential?

Electrostatic potential is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge at a given point in space, caused by a charged object or system of charged objects.

How is electrostatic potential different from electric potential?

Electrostatic potential is a specific type of electric potential that only considers the potential energy due to stationary charges. Electric potential, on the other hand, also takes into account the potential energy due to moving charges.

What are the units of electrostatic potential?

The SI unit for electrostatic potential is volts (V), which is equivalent to joules per coulomb (J/C).

How is electrostatic potential related to electric field?

Electrostatic potential is directly related to electric field through the equation E = -∇V, where E is the electric field, V is the electrostatic potential, and ∇ is the gradient operator.

What are some real-world applications of electrostatic potential?

Electrostatic potential is used in a variety of applications, including electrostatic precipitators for air pollution control, particle accelerators, and Van de Graaff generators. It is also important in understanding the behavior of charged particles in electric fields, such as in electrical circuits and lightning strikes.

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