Two conducting spheres are each given a charge Q. The radius of the larger sphere is three times greater than that of the smaller sphere. If the electric field just outside of the smaller sphere is E0, then the electric field just outside of the larger sphere is:

a. E0

b. 1/3 E0

c. 9 E0

d. 3 E0

e. 1/9 E0

Question

Physics

Ramiro Cohen

10 June, 23:06

Two conducting spheres are each given a charge Q. The radius of the larger sphere is three times greater than that of the smaller sphere. If the electric field just outside of the smaller sphere is E0, then the electric field just outside of the larger sphere is:

a. E0

b. 1/3 E0

c. 9 E0

d. 3 E0

e. 1/9 E0

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Hudson Winters · Answer 1

Let the smaller sphere have a radius of R

Electric field on its surface (just outside the sphere) (E₀) = k Q / R²

Electric field on the surface of larger sphere

(E) = k Q / (3R) ²

= k Q / 9R²

= E₀ / 9

So option e is correct.