Grounded conductor and Electric field potential question ?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving electrostatics problems involving grounded conductors and electric field potentials, specifically problems 8-8 and 8-14. The key equations utilized include the potential formula V = kq/r, where k is the Coulomb's constant. The discussion emphasizes the importance of charge distribution on spherical shells and the superposition principle for calculating potentials. Participants clarify the relationships between charge densities σ1, σ2, σ3, σ4, and σ5, and how to derive them from the given conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles, specifically Coulomb's law.
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric potential and the formula V = kq/r.
  • Knowledge of charge distribution on conductors and grounded conductors.
  • Ability to apply the superposition principle in electrostatics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric field potentials for spherical conductors.
  • Learn about the superposition principle in electrostatics and its applications.
  • Explore the implications of grounded conductors on charge distribution.
  • Investigate the relationship between charge density and electric field strength in spherical shells.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as electrical engineers dealing with charge distribution and electric fields in conductive materials.

Karamany
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Homework Statement


upload_2016-12-11_21-52-59.png


[/B]

Homework Equations



V= kq/r.[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



For 8-8, I do not really know how to approach it.
For 8-14 , I think that q2=-q1 and q3=q1+q2.
I can now use V=kq/r and then find the equations for r>R3 , r=R3 , R2<r<R3 , r=R2 and R1<r<R2 and then graph. Am I right?
 
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For 8-8 - the question tells you how to approach it.
Sketch the situation, then, using a dotted line, sketch the potentials for each ball separately.
Then apply the superposition principle - draw in the result as a bold line.

For 8-14 - please show your reasoning about the charges, ... ie. what happens to the charge distribution on sphere 2 and why?
 
Karamany said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 110285[/B]

8-14: the "spheres" quoted in the problem are actually shells. There is a central solid sphere or ball of radius R1, then infinitely thin shells of radii R2 and R3.

There are thus 5 surfaces with respective charge densities (from innermost to outermost): σ1, σ2, σ3, σ4 and σ5.
σ1 should be obvious. From that, σ2 should be readily calculated.
That leaves σ3, σ4 and σ5. You can get 3 independent equations in these 3 unknowns. One involving σ4 and σ5 is obvious. One involving σ3 and σ4 should also be apparent; similar idea to σ1 and σ2. For the last equation, force zero E field inside the grounded shell.
Having all 5 surface charge densities enables you to compute everything else.
For 8-14 , I think that q2=-q1 and q3=q1+q2.
I can now use V=kq/r and then find the equations for r>R3 , r=R3 , R2<r<R3 , r=R2 and R1<r<R2 and then graph. Am I right?
I don't think so. For one thing that would make q3 = 0.
 

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