Simple Van de Graaff Generator Problem

AI Thread Summary
When a charged Van de Graaff Generator is brought near an uncharged hollow conducting sphere, the charge distribution on the sphere results in negative charges accumulating near the generator and positive charges on the opposite side. According to Gauss's Law, the net electric flux through the sphere is zero because the total charge is zero. Inside the conducting sphere, the electric field is also zero, similar to a Faraday's Cage, as the induced charges create a uniform field that cancels out any external influence. The discussion confirms these principles of electrostatics and the behavior of conductors in electric fields. Overall, the responses demonstrate a clear understanding of the concepts involved.
Cantor
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My area of concern is C) and if I am correct in assuming it is like Faradays cage, but I am new to all this so I also put down A and B also.

If you charge up a Van de Graaff Generator and then bring an identical but uncharged hollow conducting sphere near it, without letting the two spheres touch.

A) What is the distribution of charges on the second sphere? My Answer: Negative charge near the generator and + on the other side of sphere.

B) What is the net flux through the second sphere? Answer: Because total q =0 Using Gauss's Law the net flux is zero.

C) What is the electric field inside the second sphere? Answer: E=0, the sphere would act like a Faraday's Cage and the field of induced charges combine with the uniform field to make E=0 inside.
 
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Cantor said:
My area of concern is C) and if I am correct in assuming it is like Faradays cage, but I am new to all this so I also put down A and B also.

If you charge up a Van de Graaff Generator and then bring an identical but uncharged hollow conducting sphere near it, without letting the two spheres touch.

A) What is the distribution of charges on the second sphere? My Answer: Negative charge near the generator and + on the other side of sphere.

B) What is the net flux through the second sphere? Answer: Because total q =0 Using Gauss's Law the net flux is zero.

C) What is the electric field inside the second sphere? Answer: E=0, the sphere would act like a Faraday's Cage and the field of induced charges combine with the uniform field to make E=0 inside.
That looks good to me.
 

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