Time for another entry in the Cute Problems category. I’ve been teaching a course module in theoretical physics this term so here’s one that my students should find a doddle…
A spherical capacitor consists of an outer conducting sphere of fixed radius b and a concentric inner conducting sphere whose radius a can be varied. The space between the spheres is filled with air which has a breakdown electric field strength E0. What are the greatest achievable values for (i) the potential difference between the spheres, and (ii) the electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor?
Answers via the comments box please.
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