Electric Potential due to a charged conductor

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about electric potential due to charged conductors, it is established that two spherical conductors connected by a wire will reach electrostatic equilibrium, resulting in equal electric potential on both spheres. The problem involves calculating the electric field near the surface of each sphere, given their radii and total charge. The potential at the surface of each sphere can be expressed in terms of their individual charges, leading to a system of equations. The charges on each sphere can be determined since the total charge is known. This analysis highlights the relationship between charge distribution and electric potential in conductive systems.
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Homework Statement



Two charged spherical conductors are connected by a long conducting wire, and a charge of 22.0 µC is placed on the combination. If the first sphere has a radius of 4.49 cm and the second has a radius of 5.68 cm, what is the electric field near the surface of each sphere? Enter the field for the first one first.

The Attempt at a Solution


from what i know, the system should be in electrostatic equilibrium meaning the electric potential would be the same on both spheres but then you have two variables which are the charges on each individual sphere
 
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You do know the potential at distance r of a charged spherical conductor?

The spheres are far apart, they can be considered as separate spheres. Write up the potential at the surface of both spheres in terms of their charge.. The potential are the same, the sum of charges is given. This gives you a system of equations for the charges.

ehild
 

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