Question

A large metal sphere has three times the diameter of a smaller sphere and carries three times the charge. Both spheres are isolated, so their surface charge densities are uniform. Compare (a) the potentials (relative to infinity) and (b) the electric field strengths at their surfaces.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Equals to that of the smaller sphere

B. 3 times less than that of the smaller sphere

Explanation:

(a) Equals to that of the smaller sphere

The potential of an isolated metal sphere, with charge Q and radius R, is kQ=R, so a sphere with charge 3Q and radius 3R has the same potential

b) 3 times less than that of the smaller sphere

However, the electric field at the surface of the smaller sphere is ?=? 0 = kQ=R2 , so tripling Q and R reduces the surface field by a factor of 1/3