The problem involves finding the electric potential at the center of an uncharged conducting spherical layer with inner and outer radii R_1 and R_2, respectively, given a point charge q located at a distance r from the center. The original poster considers the method of images but questions its practicality due to the complexity introduced by the spherical conducting layer.
There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with participants questioning assumptions and clarifying concepts. Some participants have proposed potential expressions based on their reasoning, while others have raised concerns about the validity of these expressions under certain conditions. No consensus has been reached, and the discussion remains active.
The original poster later clarifies that the problem should state r < R_1, which may affect the interpretations and approaches discussed. There are also references to external sources and differing opinions on the uniform distribution of charge on the outer surface of the sphere.
IssacNewton said:Ok
Irrespective of the shape of the cavity inside the metallic sphere, if we place the charge ,q,
inside the cavity, then equal charge q is distributed uniformly on the outer spherical surface.
The cavity and the outside are different worlds altogether as long as we are talking about
electrostatic case. So potential on the outer surface would just be \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_o}\frac{q}{R_2}