The Charged Sphere
Part of the Electricity and Magnetism section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 14 of 51.
On a metal sphere the charge sits on the outer surface. Outside, the sphere acts like a point charge at its centre:
E = k Q / r² (r ≥ R)
V = k Q / r (r ≥ R)
Inside there is no field, so the potential is the same everywhere, the surface's:
E = 0, V = k Q / R (r < R)
Challenge
A metal sphere of radius 0.1 m carries 5 nC. What is the potential V at its centre?
Try it yourself
This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
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