Net charge of a spherical capacitor

In summary, the net charge on the assembly is zero, as the positive charge on the outer shell cancels out the negative charge on the inner shell. This results in a neutral overall charge for the assembly.
  • #1
ksoileau
1
0
Suppose we have a hollow spherical shell made of a conducting metal, inside a slightly larger hollow spherical shell made of the same conducting metal. The shells are separated by a layer of insulation, so that the assembly is basically a spherical, hollow capacitor. If I cause the inner shell to have a negative charge of, say, 1 Coulomb, and the outer shell to have a positive charge of 1 Coulomb, what is the net charge on the assembly? Is it zero or is it equal to the charge on the outer shell?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The net charge is the sum of all charges of the setup.
 

1. What is the net charge of a spherical capacitor?

The net charge of a spherical capacitor is the total amount of positive or negative charge present on the surface of the capacitor. It is measured in Coulombs (C) and is equal to the sum of the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the capacitor.

2. How is the net charge of a spherical capacitor calculated?

The net charge of a spherical capacitor can be calculated by using the formula Q = 4πε0R1R2(V2-V1), where Q is the net charge, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, R1 and R2 are the inner and outer radii of the capacitor, and V1 and V2 are the potentials of the inner and outer surfaces, respectively.

3. Can the net charge of a spherical capacitor be zero?

Yes, it is possible for the net charge of a spherical capacitor to be zero. This would occur if the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the capacitor are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign, resulting in a cancellation of charges and a net charge of zero.

4. How does the net charge of a spherical capacitor affect its capacitance?

The net charge of a spherical capacitor is directly proportional to its capacitance. This means that as the net charge increases, the capacitance also increases. Conversely, if the net charge decreases, the capacitance will also decrease.

5. Can the net charge of a spherical capacitor change over time?

Yes, the net charge of a spherical capacitor can change over time. This can occur through the flow of current or the addition/removal of charges on the inner or outer surfaces. However, the capacitance of the capacitor will remain constant unless there is a change in its physical properties.

Similar threads

A Exploring the Electric Field of a Moving Charged Spherical Shell
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
14
Views
1K
Electric field within the cavity of a hollow conductor polarized by external charges?
    • Electromagnetism
2
Replies
48
Views
3K
Electrical energy stored by charged concentric spherical shells
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
2K
Electrical field outside a hollow spherical conductor
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
6
Views
1K
B Definition of ground potential in infinite sheet charge distributions
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
860
Newton's Shell Theorem and charge
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
26
Views
2K
Is conducting shell =uniformly charged thin spherical shell?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
13
Views
1K
How Does Earthing Affect Charge Distribution on Spherical Shells?
    • Electromagnetism
2
Replies
54
Views
6K
Electric Field inside the material of a hollow conducting sphere
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
2K
Why can we model spherical capacitor with two dielectrics as two capacitors in series?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
361

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top