JEE MainPhysicsElectrostatics
Three concentric conducting spherical shells A, B and C have radii a, b and c respectively (a < b < c) and carry charges q₁, q₂ and q₃ respectively. If the potential of the innermost shell A is equal to the potential of the outermost shell C , then which of the following relations is correct?
Options
- Aq₁ ( 1 a + 1 c ) + q₂ ( 1 b + 1 c ) = 0
- Bq₁ a = q₁+q₂ c
- Cq₁ ( 1 a - 1 c ) + q₂ ( 1 b - 1 c ) = 0
- Dq₁ + q₂ = 0
Correct answer
C. q₁ ( 1 a - 1 c ) + q₂ ( 1 b - 1 c ) = 0
Step-by-step solution
Let k = 1 4 ₀ . The potential of the innermost shell A is the sum of potentials due to its own charge and the charges on shells B and C . Since A is inside B and C , their contributions are constant and equal to their surface potentials: V_A = k q₁ a + k q₂ b + k q₃ c The potential of the outermost shell C is due to its own charge and the charges on A and B . Since C is outside A and B , they act as point charges at the centre: V_C = k q₁ c + k q₂ c + k q₃ c Given V_A = V_C : k ( q₁ a + q₂ b + q₃ c ) = k ( q₁ c + q