Equivalent capacitance of a system of 2 spheres

[randomgamernerd]

Homework Statement

: [/B]Two conducting spheres of radii R₁ and R₂ are kept widely separated from each other. what are their individual capacitances? If the spheres are connected by a metal wire, what will be the capacitance of the combiation?

Homework Equations

Capacitance of a sphere of radius R is 4π ε_oR

The Attempt at a Solution

: [/B]from the equation above,we get capacitance of each sphere. I have no issue with that. For the next part, I think the spheres are connected in series because they are connected by a single wire. But from the answer given in the text,it seems the spheres are connected in parallel. Can anyone please clarify in which combination they are connected?
No other information is mentioned in the text.

 

[gneill]

from the equation above,we get capacitance of each sphere. I have no issue with that. For the next part, I think the spheres are connected in series because they are connected by a single wire. But from the answer given in the text,it seems the spheres are connected in parallel. Can anyone please clarify in which combination they are connected?

When they are connected by the wire, will they be at different potentials (like series connected capacitors) or share the same potential (like parallel connected capacitors)?

 

[randomgamernerd]

When they are connected by the wire, will they be at different potentials (like series connected capacitors) or share the same potential (like parallel connected capacitors)?

I think charges will flow till both reach the same potential

 

[randomgamernerd]

ok..yeah right..they will have same potenial...so they are connected in parallel..ok i got it...thanks @gneill