An infinitely long thin wire, having a uniform charge density per unit length of 5 nC/m, is passing through a spherical shell of radius 1 m, as shown in the figure. A 10 nC charge is distributed uniformly over the spherical shell. If the configuration of the charges remains static, the magnitude of the potential difference between points P and R, in Volt, is . [Given: In SI units 14 0 = 9 109, 2 = 0.7. Ignore the area pierced by the wire.] [figure]
Answer
171
Solution
Superpose the two contributions (rP = 0.5 m, rR = 2 m from the wire through the centre).
Shell: VP = kQR = 9 109 10 10-91 = 90 V (inside); VR = kQ2 = 45 V; difference = 45 V.
Wire: VP - VR = 2k rRrP = 2 9 109 5 10-9 4 = 90 1.4 = 126 V.
Both make P higher: |VP - VR| = 45 + 126 = 171 V
Answer: 171