How to Find the Potential Within a Grounded Conducting Hollow Sphere?

  • Thread starter Thread starter m0nk3y
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Conducting Sphere
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential within a grounded conducting hollow sphere containing a charged ring. The problem specifies that the ring has a charge per unit length \(\Lambda\) and is positioned coaxially with the sphere, adhering to the condition \(d^2 + b^2 < a^2\). Participants highlight the necessity of using Green's functions to solve the potential distribution, as the potential due solely to the ring does not create an equipotential surface on the sphere. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding charge induction and distribution in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics, specifically potential theory
  • Familiarity with Green's functions in electrostatics
  • Knowledge of charge induction and distribution principles
  • Proficiency in mathematical techniques such as separation of variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Green's functions for solving electrostatic problems
  • Review Griffiths' "Introduction to Electrodynamics" Chapter 3.3 for potential theory
  • Explore charge distribution calculations in grounded conductors
  • Practice problems involving coaxial geometries in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and researchers interested in electrostatic potential problems involving conductors and charge distributions.

m0nk3y
Messages
23
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A grounded conducting hollow sphere of radius a contains a ring of radius b and charge per unit length [tex]\Lambda[/tex]. The ring is coaxil to the z axis, and with the sphere lies a distance d about the center of the sphere such that d^2 + b^2 < a^2. Find the potential within the sphere along the z-axis


Homework Equations


d^2 + b^2 < a^2.


The Attempt at a Solution


Honestly I don't know where to start. Reading Griffiths chapter 3.3 I attempted using the separation of variables but had no idea had to proceed. So now I am attempting on using the law of cosines and concentrating on the part where the radius of the charged ring and the center of the sphere make a triangle. However, i doubt this is right. Any help to push me in the right direction to solving this problem is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The ring inducts an equivalent charge on the sphere, the very problem is to compute the charge distribution. But the inducted charges negates themselves so it would be enough to compute the potential only for the ring.
 
Last edited:
michalll said:
The ring inducts an equivalent charge on the sphere, the very problem is to compute the charge distribution. But the inducted charges negates themselves so it would be enough to compute the potential only for the ring.

That is not correct. The potential due only to the ring is not equipotential at the surface.
This problem has to be done using a Green's function for the sphere.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
23
Views
5K
Replies
12
Views
2K