Potential energy in concentric shells

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the potential energy of an outer neutral shell due to an inner charged shell. The potential at the radius of the outer shell is given by the formula V = KQ/b, where K is Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge on the inner shell, and b is the radius of the outer shell. However, since the outer shell is neutral, its potential energy is zero, as potential energy is defined as the product of charge and potential. The conversation also explores the implications of induced charges and the potential differences across a conducting shell with significant thickness.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles, particularly potential energy calculations.
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric potential and its relation to charge distributions.
  • Knowledge of the shell theorem and its application to spherical charge distributions.
  • Basic grasp of conducting and non-conducting materials in electrostatics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric potential due to spherical charge distributions.
  • Learn about induced charges and their effects on potential energy in electrostatic systems.
  • Explore the implications of the shell theorem in more complex charge configurations.
  • Investigate the energy calculations for systems involving multiple conductive shells.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, electrical engineers, and anyone involved in the study of charge interactions and potential energy in conductive materials.

  • #61
gracy said:
The answer I got is indeed a correct answer.
Your work looks correct.
 
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  • #62
ehild said:
The question was "A solid conducting sphere of radius a having a charge Q is surrounded by a conducting shell of inner radius 2a and outer radius 3a as shown.Find the amount of heat produced when switch is closed."
Where is that switch?
The switch makes a connection from the solid sphere to the shell.
 
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  • #63
SammyS said:
The switch makes a connection from the solid sphere to the shell.
Have you seen that switch anywhere in the thread, or you could see the original figure in Gracy's book due to your supernatural abilities?
 
  • #64
ehild said:
Have you seen that switch anywhere in the thread, or you could see the original figure in Gracy's book due to your supernatural abilities?
Had to be the latter.:smile:
 
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  • #65
ehild said:
Have you seen that switch anywhere in the thread, or you could see the original figure in Gracy's book due to your supernatural abilities?
Not supernatural. (Thanks for the vote of confidence, TSny).

Back in Post #47, I suggested to gracy, that she edit the OP. In that suggestion, I added a few words to her restated problem as it appeared in Post #4.

I knew about the switch from a link to a video that gracy sent to me in a pm.

I should have pushed harder for her to give a more complete statement of the problem.
Here is a screen shot:
upload_2016-1-17_15-30-51.png


Here is the figure at a larger scale.
upload_2016-1-17_15-46-52.png


This video can be found on the site: physicsgalaxy.com , by Ashish Arora.
 
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