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A charged isolated metal sphere of diameter 12 cm has a potential of 8000 V relative to v = 0 at infinity. Calculate the energy density in the electric field near the surface of the sphere.

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Final answer:

The energy density in the electric field near the surface of a charged isolated metal sphere with a diameter of 12 cm and a potential of 8000 V is approximately 7.885 × 10^-3 J/m³.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the energy density in the electric field near the surface of a charged isolated metal sphere, we use the concept of electric potential and electric field.

The electric field (E) near the surface of a sphere with potential (V) is given by

E = V / r,

where r is the radius of the sphere. Here, r = 12 cm / 2 = 6 cm = 0.06 m, and V = 8000 V.

So, the electric field near the surface is E = 8000 V / 0.06 m = 133333.33 V/m.

The energy density (u) in the electric field is given by

u = ½ ε₀ E²,

where ε₀ is the permittivity of free space (ε₀ = 8.85 × 10^-12 C²/N·m²).

Substituting the value of E, we get

u = ½ × 8.85 × 10^-12 C²/N·m² × (133333.33 V/m)²

u = ½ × 8.85 × 10^-12 × 1.7778 × 10^10,

u = 7.885 × 10^-3 J/m³.

The energy density in the electric field near the surface of the sphere is approximately 7.885 × 10^-3 J/m³.

User Roland Orre
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