RESOURCES TO SUPPORT ONLINE LEARNING 2021 APRIL (GRADE 12)

CHAPTER–2: ELECTROSTATC POTENTIAL & CAPACITANCE

LESSON 2
Relation between E and V, Electric potential due to a sphere
1. Obtain a relation between E and V in (a) integral form (b) differential form.
2. Write expressions for electric potential due to a sphere at a point outside on the
surface and at a point inside the sphere.
3. Draw a graph to show the variation of V with r for a charged conducting sphere
and explain why the potential is constant inside the sphere and is same as that on
the surface.
4. Two spherical conductors of A and B radii R 1 and R2 (R2 > R1) are charged. If they
are connected by a conducting wire, find out the ratio of the (a) Electric potential of
A to B (b) surface charge density of A to B and (c) Electric field intensity of A to B
𝑉𝐴 𝜎𝐴 𝐸𝐴 𝑅2
(Ans: = 1, = = )
𝑉𝐵 𝜎𝐵 𝐸𝐵 𝑅1
5. A small conducting sphere of radius r is carrying a charge +q is surrounded by
large conducting shell of radius R on which a charge +Q is given. Show that if you
connect the smaller sphere and the outer sphere by a wire, the charge q on the
former will always flow to the latter, independent of how large the charge Q is.
𝐾𝑄 𝑘𝑞 𝐾𝑄 𝑘𝑞
(Ans: 𝑉(𝑟) = + & 𝑉𝑅) = + , 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑟 < 𝑅, the
𝑅 𝑟 𝑅 𝑅
outer sphere is always at a higher potential compared
to the inner sphere and hence charge flows from inner
to outer sphere.)
6. Three concentric metallic spheres A, B and C have radii
a,b and c(a<b<c) and surface charge densities on them are
σ,−σ, and σ respectively. Calculate the values of V at the
surfaces of each sphere. If the potential on the surface of
inner sphere is equal to that on the surface of the outer
sphere, find a relation between a, b and c.
𝜎 𝜎 𝑎2 𝜎 𝑎2 𝑏2
( Ans: 𝑉𝑎 = [𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐], 𝑉𝑏 = [ − 𝑏 + 𝑐], 𝑉𝑐 = [ − + 𝑐] & a +b = c]
𝜀 𝜀 𝑏 𝜀 𝑐 𝑐

7. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that the potential on its
surface is 10 V. What is the potential at the centre of the sphere? What will be the
potential at a point (a) 15cm (b) 3cm from the center of the sphere?
10
(Ans: 10V, 𝑉, 10V.)
3
8. Eight identical spherical drops, each carrying a charge 1 nC are at a potential of
900 V each. All these drops combine together to form a single large drop. Calculate
the potential of this large drop. (Assume no wastage of any kind).
(Ans: 3600V)

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