Charge Sharing between two metal spheres

AI Thread Summary
When two metal spheres are connected by a wire, charge will redistribute until both spheres reach the same electric potential. The total charge is the sum of the individual charges, which is 0.24 µC. To find the final charges on each sphere, the equation (kQ1)/R1 = (kQ2)/R2 is used, where k is the electrostatic constant and R represents the radius of each sphere. By solving these equations simultaneously, the final charge on one sphere can be determined, leading to the conclusion that 6.94 x 10^-2 µC will move along the wire. Understanding this process is crucial for applying these concepts in future physics problems.
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Two small metal spheres are located 3.0 m apart. One has radius 0.48 cm and carries charge 0.15 uC. The other has radius 0.95 cm and carries charge 0.090 uC.

If the two spheres were suddenly connected by a thin wire, how much charge would move along it?

This is a question that I have been trying to solve for over a week and still can't get. Please Help. I need a detailed explanation because I know this concept will be used in later chapters.

I know I will add Q1 + Q2 = .24 uC
I was also told that V1 = V2
So (kQ1)/R1 = (kQ2)/R2

I was told to solve for one and plug it into the other, but I don't see the logic.
 
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If someone could please help me with this problem. I know the answer is 6.94*10-2 uC but I have no idea how to get that answer. I need to know this process so I can apply it in my current homework.
 
you want the final charges, it means they should come to equilibrium,it means that there shouldn't be any current between them, it happens when they have the same potential.
So assuming Q1 over first one and Q2 over second one when thay have radiuses R1 and R2
(kQ1)/R1 = (kQ2)/R2
and using Q1+Q2=Qtotal you can find charge on each one.
 

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