Concept/Derivation for total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres

In summary, the total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres will be equal to the sum of the potential energies of the inner and outer spheres, as well as the energy required to bring each sphere from infinity to its current position. This formula applies to conducting spheres, while for non-conducting spheres, integration over each surface is necessary.
  • #1
Sumedh
62
0
What will be the total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres.

Will it be
= [P.E. of Inner sphere] + [ P.E. of Outer sphere] + [ Energy required to bring outer sphere from infinity to the present position(i.e. position concentric to inner sphere) ]


OR it


Will it be
= [P.E. of Inner sphere] + [ P.E. of Outer sphere] + [ Energy required to bring outer sphere from infinity to the present position(i.e. position concentric to inner sphere) ]
+[ Energy required to bring inner sphere from infinity to the present position(i.e. position concentric to outer sphere sphere) ]
 
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  • #2
PE=(1/2)[Q1 V1 + Q2 V2], where V1 is potential on sphere 1 due to both spheres.
This is for conducting spheres. If not conducting, you have to integrate over eadh surfqce.
 
  • #3
Thank you very much, I got it:smile:
 

Related to Concept/Derivation for total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres

1. What is the concept behind the total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres?

The concept behind the total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres is based on the principle of electrostatic potential energy. This principle states that the potential energy between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the distance between them.

2. How is the total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres derived?

The total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres can be derived by considering the electric potential energy between two point charges, and then integrating this energy over the entire surface of the spheres. This results in a formula that takes into account the radii and charges of both spheres.

3. What are the assumptions made when deriving the total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres?

When deriving the total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres, some assumptions are made. These include assuming that the spheres are perfectly conducting, that they are in a vacuum, and that the charges are uniformly distributed on the surfaces of the spheres.

4. How does the separation between the two spheres affect the total electric potential energy?

The separation between the two spheres has a direct impact on the total electric potential energy. As the distance between the spheres increases, the potential energy decreases due to the inverse relationship between distance and potential energy. This means that the potential energy is at its maximum when the spheres are in contact and decreases as they are pulled farther apart.

5. What are the real-world applications of the concept and derivation of total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres?

The concept and derivation of total electric potential energy of two concentric spheres have many real-world applications. This includes understanding the behavior of electric charges in capacitors, determining the potential energy stored in a system of concentric charged spheres, and predicting the behavior of charged particles in a circular accelerator, such as a particle collider.

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