A spherical conductor has a radius R and carries a charge Q. What is the electri
Practice Questions
Q1
A spherical conductor has a radius R and carries a charge Q. What is the electric potential on its surface?
kQ/R
kQ/2R
0
kQ/R²
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A spherical conductor has a radius R and carries a charge Q. What is the electric potential on its surface?
Step 1: Understand that a spherical conductor is a shape that can hold electric charge evenly distributed on its surface.
Step 2: Recognize that the electric potential (V) is a measure of the electric energy per unit charge at a point in space.
Step 3: Know that for a spherical conductor, the electric potential at its surface depends on the total charge (Q) it carries and its radius (R).
Step 4: Remember the formula for electric potential on the surface of a charged spherical conductor: V = kQ/R, where k is a constant (Coulomb's constant).
Step 5: Substitute the values of Q (the charge) and R (the radius) into the formula to find the electric potential V.
Electric Potential of Conductors – The electric potential on the surface of a charged conductor is determined by the charge it carries and its radius, following the formula V = kQ/R.
Spherical Symmetry – The uniform distribution of charge on a spherical conductor leads to a constant electric potential on its surface.