What is the Electric Potential at the Centre of a Charged Hollow Metal Sphere?

In summary, the conversation is discussing the question of what the electric potential is at the center of a hollow metal sphere with a radius of 2m and a charge of -V. There is also mention of the relationship between electric field and potential, the continuity of the potential function, and using Gauss' Law to determine the potential just outside the sphere. Someone has also provided a clue to help with finding the answer to the question.
  • #1
drixz
2
0
Hi there,

confused with a question ... does anyone knows the solution or answer for the following question ?

"The electric potential at the centre of a hollow metal sphere, radius 2m, which has been charged to a potential -V. is : (a)-V (b)-2V (c)2V (d)0 (e)V"
 
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  • #2
Consider these ideas/questions:

What is the electric field inside a conductor?
How does the electric field relate to the electric potential (voltage)?
The electric potential function obeys spatial continuity (no jumps).
What is the electric potential just outside the sphere (use Gauss' Law and symmetry).
 
  • #3
oh yeah ... thanks for the clue :)
 

1. What is an electric potential problem?

An electric potential problem refers to a situation where there is a difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field. This can be caused by the presence of charged particles or by the presence of a source of electric potential, such as a battery or generator.

2. How is electric potential different from electric field?

Electric potential is a scalar quantity that represents the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V). Electric field, on the other hand, is a vector quantity that represents the force per unit charge at a given point in an electric field. It is measured in newtons per coulomb (N/C).

3. What is the relationship between electric potential and electric field?

The relationship between electric potential and electric field is described by the equation E = -∇V, where E is the electric field, V is the electric potential, and ∇ is the gradient operator. This means that the electric field is the negative gradient of the electric potential. In other words, the electric field points in the direction of decreasing electric potential.

4. How do you calculate electric potential in a given situation?

The electric potential at a point in an electric field can be calculated by dividing the work done by an external force in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to that point by the charge itself. Mathematically, this can be represented as V = W/q, where V is the electric potential, W is the work done, and q is the charge. Alternatively, if the electric field is known, the electric potential can be calculated using the equation V = -∫Edr, where E is the electric field and r is the distance over which the charge is moved.

5. What are some real-world applications of electric potential problems?

Electric potential problems have numerous real-world applications. They are used in the design and operation of electrical circuits, such as in computers, televisions, and other electronic devices. They are also important in the study of electromagnetism and the behavior of charged particles in electric fields. Additionally, electric potential problems are used in medical imaging techniques, such as electrocardiography and electroencephalography, to measure and map the electrical activity in the body.

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