Electric Potential due to a charged conductor

In summary, the conversation discusses a scenario where two charged spherical conductors are connected by a conducting wire and have a combined charge of 22.0 µC. The spheres have different radii and the goal is to determine the electric field near the surface of each sphere. The conversation mentions the concept of electrostatic equilibrium and solving for the charges on each sphere using a system of equations based on the potential at their respective surfaces.
  • #1
maiad
102
0

Homework Statement



Two charged spherical conductors are connected by a long conducting wire, and a charge of 22.0 µC is placed on the combination. If the first sphere has a radius of 4.49 cm and the second has a radius of 5.68 cm, what is the electric field near the surface of each sphere? Enter the field for the first one first.

The Attempt at a Solution


from what i know, the system should be in electrostatic equilibrium meaning the electric potential would be the same on both spheres but then you have two variables which are the charges on each individual sphere
 
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  • #2
You do know the potential at distance r of a charged spherical conductor?

The spheres are far apart, they can be considered as separate spheres. Write up the potential at the surface of both spheres in terms of their charge.. The potential are the same, the sum of charges is given. This gives you a system of equations for the charges.

ehild
 

FAQ: Electric Potential due to a charged conductor

What is electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V) and represents the work that would be required to move a unit positive charge from an infinitely far distance to a given point in the electric field.

What is a charged conductor?

A charged conductor is a material that can easily conduct electricity and has an excess of either positive or negative charge. This excess charge is distributed evenly on the surface of the conductor, creating an electric field around it.

How is electric potential calculated for a charged conductor?

The electric potential at a point due to a charged conductor can be calculated using the equation V = kQ/r, where V is the electric potential, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge on the conductor, and r is the distance from the center of the conductor to the point where the potential is being calculated.

Why is the electric potential zero inside a charged conductor?

Inside a charged conductor, the electric potential is zero because the excess charge on the surface of the conductor creates an electric field that cancels out the electric field from any external charges. This means that no work is required to move a charge inside the conductor, thus the electric potential is zero.

How does the shape of a charged conductor affect its electric potential?

The shape of a charged conductor affects its electric potential as it determines the distribution of the excess charge on the surface. A more curved shape will have a higher electric potential at its edges, while a flatter shape will have a more uniform electric potential. This is because the charge on the surface of the conductor will be closer together in a curved shape, resulting in a stronger electric field and higher potential near the edges.

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