Two metal spheres, each of radius 2.8 cm, have a center-to-center separation of

Question

Two metal spheres, each of radius 2.8 cm, have a center-to-center separation of 2.4 m. Sphere 1 has a charge of +1.2 × 10-8 C; sphere 2 has a charge of -3.4 × 10-8 C. Assume that the separation is large enough for us to assume that the charge on each sphere is uniformly distributed (the spheres do not affect each other). With V = 0 at infinity, calculate in volts (a) the potential at the point halfway between their centers and the potential on the surface of (b) sphere 1 and (c) sphere 2.

Explanation / Answer

(a)

potential = kQ / d

potential = 8.99e9N·m²/C² * 1.2 - 3.4)e-8C / (2.4m/2) = -82.40V

(b)

same as for a point charge at that radius:

potential = 8.99e9N·m²/C² * 1.2e-8C / 0.028m = 3852.8 V

(c)

again
potential = 8.99e9N·m²/C² * -3.60e-8C / 0.0280m = -10916.4 V

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