A charge is located at the center of sphere A (radius R_A = 0.0010 m), which is in the center of sphere B (radius R_B = 0.0012 m). Spheres A and B are both equipotential surfaces. What is the ratio V_A/V_B of the potentials of these surfaces?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric potential due to a point charge is given by V=kq/r, where k is the Coulomb constant, q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge. Since both spheres are equipotential surfaces, the potentials at points A and B are equal to the potential due to the charge at the center of sphere A. Thus, V_A = kq/R_A and V_B = kq/R_B. Dividing these expressions, we get: V_A/V_B = (kq/R_A)/(kq/R_B) = R_B/R_A = 0.0012/0.0010 = 1.2. Therefore, the ratio of the potentials of these surfaces is 1.2. The answer is (C).

A Charge Is Located at the Center of Sphere a (Radius