Spherical shells and electric potential

The electric field magnitude (E) and voltage (V) depend on the radial distance (r) from the center of the shells, and the charges (q1 and q2) on the shells. At radial distance (a)r = 4.50 m, the electric field would be 0 because the point is outside of the shells. At radial distance (b)r = 0.840 m, the electric field would be 2.794e+11 N/C and the voltage would be -2.351e+9 V. At radial distance (c)r = 0.130 m, the electric field would be 6.653e+11 N/C and
  • #1
almn22
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0

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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  • #2
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
 

Related to Spherical shells and electric potential

1. What is a spherical shell?

A spherical shell is a hollow, three-dimensional shape that is formed by two concentric spheres with the same center. It is often used in physics and engineering to model the behavior of electric and magnetic fields.

2. How does a spherical shell affect electric potential?

A spherical shell can have a significant impact on the electric potential in its surrounding space. If the shell has a uniform charge distribution, the electric potential outside the shell will be constant and equal to the potential on the surface of the shell. Inside the shell, the electric potential will be zero.

3. What is the relationship between the electric potential and the electric field of a spherical shell?

The electric potential and the electric field of a spherical shell are directly related. The electric potential is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point, while the electric field is a measure of the force per unit charge at that point. The electric field can be calculated from the electric potential using the equation E = -∇V, where E is the electric field, V is the electric potential, and ∇ is the gradient operator.

4. Can a spherical shell have a net electric charge?

No, a spherical shell cannot have a net electric charge. This is because the electric field inside a conductor must be zero, and a spherical shell is a type of conductor. If a spherical shell were to have a net electric charge, there would be an electric field inside the shell, which violates the properties of conductors.

5. How can the electric potential of a spherical shell be calculated?

The electric potential of a spherical shell can be calculated using the equation V = kQ/r, where V is the electric potential, k is the Coulomb constant, Q is the total charge of the shell, and r is the distance from the center of the shell. This equation applies both inside and outside the shell, as long as the distance r is greater than or equal to the radius of the shell.

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