The discussion focuses on estimating the total excess charge on a conducting sphere charged to a potential of 2,000,000V using a Coulomb Balance experiment. The relevant equation for this calculation is V = q/R, where V is the potential, q is the charge, and R is the radius of the sphere. Additionally, the capacitance of a sphere is given by C = 4πε₀r, which simplifies calculations due to the symmetry of the sphere. Spheres are preferred in such experiments because they simplify the mathematical modeling of electric fields.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, educators, and researchers interested in electrostatics, particularly those conducting experiments involving charged conductors and electric fields.
ZedCar said:Homework Statement
If conducting a Coulomb Balance experiment, and a question asks to estimate the total excess charge on a sphere with a conducting surface charged to 2,000,000V potential.
Is there a specific equation I should be using to estimate this?
Thank you.
P.S. why are spheres used in such an experiment, and not some other shape?
ZedCar said:Is it not C = 4∏ε0r
(Sorry for large font, I was trying to obtain a small 0 beside ε!)