- #1
pc2-brazil
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Homework Statement
Two isolated conducting spheres, each one with a radius of 14 cm, are charged until they reach the potentials of 240 V and 440 V. They are then connected by a thin wire. Calculate the variation of internal energy of the wire.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
When the wire is connected to both spheres, charge flows from the 240 V sphere to the 440 V sphere, in order to equal the potential. Since both spheres have the same radius, the final charge in each sphere will be equal. The final potential in each sphere will equal (240 + 440)/2 = 340 V.
I think that the variation of internal energy is related to the fact that the potential difference between the ends of the wire changes from 200 V to 0 V as the charge flows through it.
But I'm not sure how to proceed from here.
Thank you in advance.