Spherical Capacitor: Calculating Capacitance in pF

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the capacitance of a spherical capacitor composed of a smaller conducting sphere with a radius of 4.0 cm and charge Q, and a larger conducting shell with inner and outer radii of 11.0 cm and 13.0 cm, respectively. The capacitance formula used is C = Q/ΔV. Participants express confusion regarding the effect of the outer shell's thickness on the calculation and the distribution of charge -Q on the outer shell.

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  • Understanding of electrostatics and capacitance concepts
  • Familiarity with spherical capacitors and their properties
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in physics
  • Proficiency in using the formula C = Q/ΔV
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  • Learn about charge distribution on conductors in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of electric potential difference in spherical geometries
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Homework Statement



A spherical capacitor consists of a spherical conducting shell charge -Q concentric with a smaller conducting sphere of radius 4.0 cm and charge Q. The larger conducting shell has inner and outer radii of 11.0 cm and 13.0 cm, respectively. What is the capacitance of the system in pF?

Homework Equations



C = \frac{Q}{\Delta V}

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know what to do when the outer shell has a thickness. I know that when it doesn't have a thickness you would do
-\int_{r_1}^{r_2} kQ\frac{dr}{r^2}
where r_1 and r_2 are the inner and outer radii, respectively. But here what do you do for r_2?

Thanks.
 
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How would -Q be distributed on the outer shell ?
 
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