Why Does Electric Potential Vary Inside and On the Surface of a Charged Sphere?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that the electric potential varies inside and on the surface of a charged sphere due to charge accumulation on the surface. The potential values are established as V1 > V2 > V3 > V4 = V5 = V6, where V1 represents the potential at the center of the sphere and V4, V5, and V6 represent the potential on the surface. The capacitance of a charged sphere is defined as C=4*pi*eps0*R, indicating that a smaller sphere has a higher potential due to its lower capacitance. This results in a constant potential inside the sphere, confirming that V4, V5, and V6 are equal but not zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and electric fields
  • Familiarity with the concept of capacitance
  • Knowledge of basic electrostatics principles
  • Ability to interpret mathematical relationships in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between capacitance and electric potential in spherical conductors
  • Explore the concept of electric fields inside and outside charged conductors
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of electric potential for different geometries
  • Investigate the implications of charge distribution on electric potential
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatics and electric potential in charged systems.

erinec
Messages
31
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2111/picture2ox5.png

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


The correct answer is supposed to be: V1 > V2 > V3 > V4 = V5 = V6

But it is kind of weird...

since charge only accumulates at the surface, you would think that V1=V4=V5=V6=0.

My question is: Why is V1 randomly higher?...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
hi erinec,

it is the resultant electric field which is zero in a sphere (due to charge accumulation on the surface) but a zero fiel means a constant potential (and not zero potential) , that's why V4=V5=V6

the capacitance of a charged sphere is C=4*pi*eps0*R, this means smaller C for the smaller sphere. Now it is Q=C*V -> V=Q/C -> the surface of the smaller sphere has a higher potential V (for a charge coming from infinity) than the surface of the larger sphere. Inside of the smaller sphere, the potential is again constant. This gives V1>V4=V5=V6
 

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K