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Chapter 2 Electrostatics: Problem 2.38
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Problem 2.38: A metal sphere of radius $R$, carrying charge $q$, is surrounded by a
thick concentric metal shell (inner radius $a$, outer radius $b$, as in Fig. 2.48). The
shell carries no net charge.
(a) Find the surface charge density $\sigma$ at $R$, at $a$, and at $b$.
(b) Find the potential at the center, using infinity as the reference point.
(c) Now the outer surface is touched to a grounding wire, which drains off charge
and lowers its potential to zero (same as at infinity). How do your answers to
(a) and (b) change?
Solution:
Create a spherical guassian surface with radius $r$ such that $a\le r\le b$.
Since electric field inside a conductor is zero.
Hence the inner part of the shell with inner radius a will get induced with a charge $-q$.
Now a make the shell electrically neutral, positive charge $+q$ will get induced on the outer surface of shell with outer radius $b$.
$a) $
$$\sigma_b = \frac{+q}{4\pi b^2}$$
$$\sigma_a= \frac{-q}{4\pi a^2}$$
$$\sigma_R = \frac{+q}{4\pi R^2}$$
$b)$ Let's denote the center of sphere with C so $$V_{(C)} - V_{\infty} = -\int_{\infty}^0 \vec{E}\cdot \vec{dr}$$
$$V_{(C)} - 0 = -\big[\int_{\infty}^b \frac{+q}{4\pi \epsilon_0 r^2} dr + \int_b^a 0dr+\int_a^R \frac{+q}{4\pi \epsilon_0 r^2} dr + \int_R^0 0 dr\big]$$
$$V_{(C)} = -\big[\frac{+q}{4\pi \epsilon_0} \big( \frac{-1}{r}\big)_{\infty}^b + \frac{+q}{4\pi \epsilon_0} \big(\frac{-1}{r}\big)_a^R\big]$$
$$V_{(C)} = \frac{+q}{4\pi \epsilon_0} \big[\frac{1}{b} + \frac{1}{R} - \frac{1}{a}\big]$$
$c)$ If the outer surface of the shell is connected to ground, So the potential of the outer sphere will turn to 0.
Since charges in the sphere + charges on inner side of shell = $+q+(-q) = 0$
Hence the ground will supply extra $-q$ to the outer side of shell to make its charge 0.
Hence the final charge distribution would be $$\sigma_b = 0 $$ $$\sigma_a= \frac{-q}{4\pi a^2}$$ $$\sigma_R = \frac{+q}{4\pi R^2}$$
Regarding Potential $$V_{(C)} - V_{\infty} = -\int_{\infty}^0 \vec{E}\cdot \vec{dr}$$ $$V_{(C)} - 0 = -\big[\int_{\infty}^b 0 dr + \int_b^a 0dr+\int_a^R \frac{+q}{4\pi \epsilon_0 r^2} dr + \int_R^0 0 dr\big]$$
$$V_{(C)} = -\big[\frac{+q}{4\pi \epsilon_0} \big(\frac{-1}{r}\big)_a^R\big]$$
$$V_{(C)} = \frac{+q}{4\pi \epsilon_0} \big[\frac{1}{R} - \frac{1}{a}\big]$$
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