Charges on spherical conductors

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SUMMARY

When a charge is placed on a spherical conductor of radius r1 and connected to another spherical conductor of radius r2 via a conducting wire, both spheres reach the same electric potential when in equilibrium. This occurs despite the difference in their radii, as the relationship C=Q/V indicates that the charge distribution will differ between the spheres. The surface charge density on both spheres will equalize, confirming that they maintain the same potential under these conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and electric potential
  • Familiarity with the concepts of capacitance and charge distribution
  • Knowledge of spherical conductors and their properties
  • Basic grasp of the relationship between charge (Q), capacitance (C), and potential (V)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electrostatics, focusing on electric potential and capacitance
  • Learn about charge distribution on conductors, particularly spherical conductors
  • Explore the concept of surface charge density and its implications in electrostatics
  • Investigate the behavior of connected capacitors in equilibrium
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatic principles and the behavior of spherical conductors in electric fields.

cuppy
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A charge is placed on a speherical conductor of radius r1. this sphere is then connected to a distant sphere of radius r2 (not equal to r1) by a conducting wire. after the charges on the spheres are in equilibrium...

is it reasonable to say that both spheres are at the same potential? regardless of the different radii

C=Q/V so i think the amount of charge distributed on both speheres will differ but the potential will still be the same since the spheres are in equilibrium.

i don't know i don't really understand the concept very well.
 
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I think the concept that you want is that the surface charge density on the two spheres will be equal.
 

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