0
$\begingroup$

I'm wondering if my train of thought is correct. Say you have Point $A$ which is $A$ distance away from the center of an isolated spherical conductor, and Point $B$ which is $B$ distance away from the center. If I'm to find the electric potential difference, $V_A-V_B$, I know I can use the relationship $V_A-V_B= -\int_B^A \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{s} = -\dfrac{kQ}{r^2} \int_B^A d\vec{s}$

What I'm wondering is if $d\vec{s}$ is equal to $dr$ in this case. I don't really see any other thing it could be. Using that idea, things simplify down to,

$\rightarrow = -\dfrac{kQ}{r^2} \cdot r \bigg|_B^A \rightarrow -\dfrac{kQ}{r} \bigg|_B^A$

Is this correct? I would also appreciate an explanation as to why it is or isn't, since I'm a obviously a little unsure of myself.

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

The short answer is that you are basically correct; you just need to be more careful with your notation and your minus signs. Here's the long answer.

By the definition of a conductor, the sphere is at some constant potential. Additionally, the potential of the system goes to zero as $r\rightarrow \infty$.

There are a lot of different ways to think about this problem, but the simplest is probably to say that since the problem is spherically symmetric the equipotential surfaces (i.e. the surfaces of constant potential) are concentric spheres centered around the conductor. Therefore, the only important length in determining a potential difference is the difference in radius from the center of the sphere. (Think about it: you can move freely over any sphere concentric with the conductor without changing your potential.) As a result, $A$ and $B$ may as well both lie along the same line connecting them to the origin.

As you correctly noted, if the sphere carries a charge $Q$, then the potential at a given point outside of the sphere is given by $V=\frac{kQ}{r}$ where $r$ is the distance from the center of the sphere to that point. By definition, $\vec E=-\vec \nabla{V}$. Therefore, $\vec E=-\frac{\partial{V}}{\partial r}\hat r=\frac{kQ}{r^2}\hat r$.

Now, if you wanted to, you could integrate $-\int_B^A\vec E\cdot d\vec r=-\int_B^A\frac{kQ}{r^2}dr$ which would give you back $V|_B^A=V_A-V_B$. (Since $d\vec r=\hat rdr$ and $\hat r\cdot\hat r=1$) But we already know what the functional form of $V$ is, so we could just take that difference immediately. You get the same answer both ways: $$ \Delta V=kQ\Big(\frac{1}{A}-\frac{1}{B}\Big) $$

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Thank, you. I'm studying for a final, and our formula sheet doesn't have the $V=\dfrac{kQ}{r}$ equation - just the relationship between E and V (both the integration version and the gradient version). $\endgroup$
    – Lame-Ov2.0
    Commented Dec 11, 2013 at 1:26
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ If you know the electric field you can deduce the potential, and vice versa. But remember, $V=\frac{kQ}{r}$ is only the potential for a single point charge in empty space. Lucky for us, spherically symmetric charge distributions act like point charges when you are outside of them. Good luck studying! $\endgroup$
    – Geoffrey
    Commented Dec 11, 2013 at 1:32

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.