Question

A van de Graaff generator has an aluminum sphere on top with a radius of 8.7 cm and carries a charge of -1.25 microcoulombs (μC). What is the potential, V, in volts, at the surface of the sphere? Enter your answer in exponential notation.

Answer 1

`V = -1.29 * 10^5 Volts`

Step-by-step explanation:

Electric potential at the surface of the sphere is given as

`V = (KQ)/(R)`

here we know that

`k = 9 * 10^9`

`Q = -1.25 \mu C`

`R = 8.7 cm`

now from above formula we will have

`V = ((9 * 10^9)(-1.25 * 10^(-6)))/(0.087)`

`V = -1.29 * 10^5 Volts`