Dielectric breakdown occurs in the air at an electric field strength of E_max = 3.0  10⁶ V/m.What is the maximum surface charge density that can be placed on a spherical conductor of radius 1.5 m before breakdown?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maximum surface charge density that can be placed on a spherical conductor of radius r before breakdown is given by:$$\sigma_{max} = \epsilon_0 E_{max}$$where $\epsilon_0$ is the permittivity of free space.Substituting the given values, we get:$$\sigma_{max} = (8.85 	imes 10^{-12} 	ext{ C}^2/	ext{Nm}^2)(3.0 	imes 10^6 	ext{ V/m}) = 2.655 	imes 10^{-5} 	ext{ C/m}^2$$Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Dielectric Breakdown Occurs in the Air at an Electric Field