Uncharged spherical conducting shell

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the electrostatic behavior of an uncharged spherical conducting shell surrounding a central charge of -q, with an additional external charge of +3q placed on the shell. Participants are exploring the implications of these charges on the distribution of charge on the shell's surfaces.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the role of the external charge (+3q) in determining the charge distribution on the inner and outer surfaces of the conducting shell. There is an exploration of Gauss's Law and its relevance to the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the charge distribution, noting that while the external charge does not affect the total charge on the exterior, it influences the distribution of charge on the shell. Multiple interpretations of the role of the external charge are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is an underlying assumption regarding the static equilibrium of the system and the properties of conductors in electrostatics that is being examined, particularly in relation to Gauss's Law.

VU2
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
An uncharged spherical conducting shell surrounds charge -q at the center of the shell. Then a charge+ +3q is placed on the outside of the shell. When static equilibrium is reached, the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the she are respecteively... +q,-q is the answer.

Does the +3q charge play any roll in that answer? Help. Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
VU2 said:
An uncharged spherical conducting shell surrounds charge -q at the center of the shell. Then a charge+ +3q is placed on the outside of the shell. When static equilibrium is reached, the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the she are respecteively... +q,-q is the answer.

Does the +3q charge play any roll in that answer? Help. Thanks!

Do you know Gauss's Law ?
 
Yes, its E=q/[ε*area], where q is the charge enclosed.
 
VU2 said:
Yes, its E=q/[ε*area], where q is the charge enclosed.

That should give you your answer.
 
So +3q charge doesn't play any roll at all right?
 
VU2 said:
So +3q charge doesn't play any roll at all right?

That is correct, as far as the total charge on the exterior. However,the +3q does affect the distribution of that charge.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
772
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
38
Views
15K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K