Charge Distribution on Spherical Conductors

[patm95]

Homework Statement

thin wire connecting two conductors, a big sphere and a small sphere. What sphere has the most charge?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The charge will want to distribute itself over the entire surface area of the two conductors. Therefore because of the larger sphere having more surface area, there will be more charge on the larger sphere. IS this a logical way of approaching this problem?

 

[Markv]

If both spheres had a a previous charge and then were connected with the wire, both will now have the same potential put different charges, although the total charge won't change:

V1= k*Q1/R1 V2=k*Q2/R2

Now V'1=V'2 so: Q1'=V'*R1/K Q2'=V'*R2/K

and Q1 + Q2 = Q1' + Q2'

 

[patm95]

That makes sense! I think I was on the right track. Thanks!