Spherical shells and electric potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field and electric potential for two isolated, concentric, conducting spherical shells with radii R1 = 0.510 m and R2 = 1.10 m, and uniform charges q1 = +1.90 μC and q2 = +2.50 μC. The electric field E is evaluated at radial distances of r = 4.50 m, r = 0.840 m, and r = 0.130 m. The potential V is determined at various points, with V set to 0 at infinity. The conclusion is that the electric field is not zero in all cases, contradicting initial assumptions about the net charge inside the shells.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and electric fields
  • Familiarity with Gauss's Law
  • Knowledge of electric potential concepts
  • Ability to perform calculations involving microcoulombs (μC)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's Law applications for spherical symmetry
  • Learn about electric potential due to point charges and spherical shells
  • Explore the relationship between electric field and electric potential
  • Practice problems involving multiple charge distributions
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Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone preparing for exams involving electric fields and potentials in conductive materials.

almn22
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Homework Statement


Two isolated, concentric, conducting spherical shells have radii R1 = 0.510 m and R2 = 1.10 m, uniform charges q1 = +1.90 μC and q2 = +2.50 μC, and negligible thicknesses. What is the magnitude of the electric field E at radial distance (a)r = 4.50 m, (b)r = 0.840 m, and (c)r = 0.130 m? With V = 0 at infinity, what is V (in V) at (d)r = 4.50 m, (e)r = 1.10 m, (f)r = 0.840 m, (g)r = 0.510 m, (h)r = 0.130 m, and (i)r = 0?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Wouldn't it just be 0 because there is no net charge inside the shell?
 
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almn22 said:
Wouldn't it just be 0 because there is no net charge inside the shell?


Which part are you talking about ...

if you mean 0 for all cases then ... No
 

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