Сurrent through spherical capacitor

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the conductivity of an insulator in a spherical capacitor filled with a weakly conductive dielectric. The provided answer from the book is given as Λ = (4πλ/ε)(R1R2/(R1-R2)). The user attempts to derive this using relevant laws, including the divergence of current density and Ohm's law, but arrives at a different result. The user identifies a potential oversight regarding the inclusion of the dielectric permittivity ε in their calculations. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between specific conductivity and specific dielectric conductivity, with clarification needed on the correct terminology.
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Homework Statement


Determine the conductivity of the insulator in a spherical
capacitor filled with weakly conductive dielectric. Specific conductivity of the dielectric is λ, the dielectric permittivity ε.

Ansver in book is ##\Lambda = \frac{4\pi\lambda}{\epsilon} \frac{R_1R_2}{R_1-R_2}##

The Attempt at a Solution


My solution is to use following law's

##div \vec j = 0 ## (1)but

##\vec j = \lambda \vec E##(2)

then

##div \vec j = \lambda div \vec E =0## (3)

in spherical coordinates ##div \vec E =0## leads to
##Er^2 = const##

then current ##I=j4\pi r^2 = 4\pi \lambda \frac{const}{r^2} r^2 = 4\pi \lambda \cdot const##.
Now find the voltage:
##V = \int\limits_{R_1}^{R_2} E dr = \int\limits_{R_1}^{R_2} \frac{const}{r^2} dr = const \left(\frac{1}{R_1} - \frac{1}{R_2}\right)##

Then, from the Ohm's law
##\Lambda = \frac{I}{V} =4\pi\lambda \frac{R_1R_2}{R_1-R_2}##

My answer is differ from book, where have I missed ##\frac{1}{\epsilon}##?
 
Last edited:
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Apparently "specific dielectric conductivity" (never heard of that concept) differs from the specific conductivity by this factor of ε.
 
mfb said:
Apparently "specific dielectric conductivity" (never heard of that concept) differs from the specific conductivity by this factor of ε.
It must be "specific conductivity of the dielectric".
 
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