A small spherical lump of conductor, with a radius R = 0.1m, has a charge of 0.0

Question

A small spherical lump of conductor, with a radius R = 0.1m, has a charge of 0.01 C placed on it. (a) Describe the manner in which the electric charge on the sphere is distributed. (b-i) Determine the electric potential associated with the charge on the sphere at points at radial distance, r > R from the centre of the sphere. (b-ii) Suppose that a point charge of 1.0 x 10^-6 C is placed 3m away from the centre of the sphere. Compute the electrostatic potential energy of the system. (c) How does the electric potential associated with the charge on the sphere differ between any pair of points located within the plane?

Explanation / Answer

a)The charge will be distributed uniformaly over the surface of the spherical conductor,so as to satisfy the guass law.Further, the curvature at any point on the surface is equal.

b i) for r>R,

the charge on the spherical conductor will behave as to be concentrated on the centre of the spherical conductor.

Electric potential = -KQ/r = -9*10^7/r volts

b ii)as r>R for r=3m

so electrostatic potential energy of the system = -K(Q1)(Q2)/r = -30 volts

c)the electric potential for each of the point on the surface of the sphere will be equal as the charge carrier of the spherical conductor are in electrostatic condition.

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