Question

A metal sphere with radius R1 has a charge Q1. Take the electric potential to be zero at an infinite distance from the sphere.Express your answer in terms of the given quantities and appropriate constants.1. What is the electric field at the surface of the sphere?E=2.What is the electric potential at the surface of the sphere?V=

Answer 1

Answer:

E =   k*Q₁/R₁² V/m

V =  k*Q₁/R₁ Volt

Explanation:

Given:

- Charge distributed on the sphere is Q₁

- The radius of sphere is R₁

- The electric potential at infinity is 0

Find:

What is the electric field at the surface of the sphere?E.

What is the electric potential at the surface of the sphere?V

Solution:

- The 3 dimensional space around a charge(source) in which its effects is felt is known in the electric field.

- The strength at any point inside the electric field is defined by the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed at that point.  

- If a unit positive charge is placed at the surface it experiences a force according to the Coulomb law is given by

                                        F = k*Q₁/R₁²

- Then the electric field at that point is

                                        E =  F/1

                                        E =  k*Q₁/R₁²  V/m

- The electric potential at a point is defined as the amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to that point against electric forces.

- Thus, the electric potential at the surface of the sphere of radius R₁ and charge distribution Q₁ is given by the relation

                                        V =  k*Q₁/R₁  Volt