Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain why conductors in contact end at the same potential and why their charges are usually unequal. (Guide: “Contact means equal potential”; Practice Q1)
- I can state the direction in which electrons and “positive charge” flow between conductors at different potentials. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q5(c))
- I can describe ground as a zero-potential reference that can supply or absorb any amount of charge. (Guide: “Ground: the ideal reference”)
- I can explain why grounding an isolated conductor makes it neutral but grounding one near a charge does not. (Guide: “Ground: the ideal reference”; Practice Q4)
Calculation and skills
- I can derive q₁/R₁ = q₂/R₂ for distant spheres joined by a wire and find each final charge. (Guide: “Two spheres joined by a long wire”; Practice Q2)
- I can compare the surface charge densities and surface fields of connected spheres. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q3)
- I can find the charge induced on a grounded sphere near a point charge, Q′ = −qR/d. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q4(c))
- I can find the potentials of nested conductors and predict the result of joining them. (Guide: “Conductors inside conductors”; Practice Q5)
- I can integrate E from infinity to find a grounded conductor’s induced charge. (Practice Q7)
Reasoning
- I can use the two-sphere model to explain why charge builds up at sharp points. (Guide: “Why charge piles up at sharp points”)
- I can explain the order of steps needed to keep a charge induced by grounding. (Guide: Worked example 2)
- I can explain why a grounded closed shell shields in both directions but an isolated shell does not. (Guide: “Grounding a shell around a charge”; Practice Q6)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 10.3, Capacitors, or return to the course roadmap.