Work to construct a conducting sphere

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work required to assemble a conducting sphere of radius R and charge Q from infinity. The initial approach incorrectly assumes that the work is solely based on the potential difference using the formula W(applied)=QV, leading to the conclusion W(applied)=(kQ^2)/R. However, the correct calculation reveals that the work should be W(applied)=(kQ^2)/(2R), emphasizing the importance of considering the incremental work done as charges are added to the sphere.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and potential in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with the concept of work in physics
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's law and its application
  • Ability to perform integral calculus for work calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric potential for spherical charge distributions
  • Learn about the concept of incremental work in electrostatics
  • Explore integral calculus applications in physics problems
  • Review the principles of charge distribution in conductors
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in electrostatics and the principles of work in electric fields.

ClCripper
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I need to find the work it would take an applied force to assemble a conducting sphere of radius R and charge Q at constant kinetic energy from infinity.

Tried:
Since the Electric Field inside the conductor is zero I figured it wouldn't take any work to build the whole sphere until we got to the surface. Then the work that it would take would be the work required to build a spherical shell with no thickness. This seems like it is not an integral to me.
I am using:
W(applied)=QV
since V=Vf-Vi and Vi=0
and Vf=kQ/R

Solution:
I come up with
W(applied)=(kQ^2)/R

The correct answer should be (kQ^2)/(2R)

What am I doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You've computed the work it would take to bring a charge Q in from infinity to a sphere whose charge is already Q. I think it is an integral problem. If there is no charge on the sphere initially then the charges you bring in first take very little work.
 

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K