Finding Electric Potential of concentric shells

In summary, there are two thin spherical shells with radii 3.00 and 7.00, respectively, that are made of insulating material and have uniformly distributed charges on their surfaces. The electric potential is zero at an infinite distance from both shells. However, there is not enough information provided to determine the electric potential at specific distances or the potential difference between the surfaces of the two shells. Without the total charge on each shell, it is impossible to determine which shell is at a higher potential. Therefore, the problem as stated is poorly formulated.
  • #1
ltkach
11
0
A thin spherical shell with radius = 3.00 is concentric with a larger thin spherical shell with radius 7.00 . Both shells are made of insulating material. The smaller shell has charge distributed uniformly over its surface, and the larger shell has charge distributed uniformly over its surface. Take the electric potential to be zero at an infinite distance from both shells.

a)What is the electric potential due to the two shells at the following distance from their common center: r = 0?

b) r=0.04m

c) r = 0.08

d) What is the magnitude of the potential difference between the surfaces of the two shells?

e)which shell is at higher potential: the inner shell or the outer shell? why?
 
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  • #2
This problem lacks the information to be solved with additional assumptions. For example, the lack of units next to numbers makes me guess that the radii of the shells are given in centimeters while distances from the common centers are given in meters. More importantly, the total charge on each shell is not given. Without that information questions (d) and (e) cannot be answered. Badly formulated problem.
 

Related to Finding Electric Potential of concentric shells

1. What is the formula for finding the electric potential of concentric shells?

The formula for finding the electric potential of concentric shells is V = kQ/R, where V is the electric potential, Q is the total charge of the shell, and R is the distance from the center of the shell to the point where the potential is being measured. This formula is derived from Coulomb's law and assumes that the shells are thin and have a constant charge density.

2. How do I determine the direction of the electric potential for concentric shells?

The direction of the electric potential for concentric shells is always radial, meaning it points towards or away from the center of the shells depending on the charge distribution. If the shells have a positive charge, the potential will point away from the center and if they have a negative charge, it will point towards the center.

3. Can the electric potential of concentric shells be negative?

Yes, the electric potential of concentric shells can be negative. This can occur when the charge distribution is such that the potential points towards the center of the shells. It is also possible for the potential to be zero at certain points between the shells, depending on the charge distribution.

4. How does the electric potential change as the distance from the center of the concentric shells increases?

The electric potential of concentric shells decreases as the distance from the center increases. This is because the electric potential is inversely proportional to the distance from the center, according to the formula V = kQ/R. This means that the potential will be higher closer to the center and lower further away from it.

5. Can the electric potential of concentric shells be used to calculate the electric field?

Yes, the electric potential of concentric shells can be used to calculate the electric field by taking the negative derivative of the potential with respect to distance. The resulting value will give the magnitude of the electric field at that point. This is known as the gradient of the potential and is given by E = -∇V.

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