Flow of charge between two spheres

In summary, the flow of charge between two spheres is the movement of electric charge from one sphere to the other, caused by a difference in electric potential. This flow is affected by the difference in potential, distance between the spheres, and material properties. It can be calculated using Coulomb's law and can be controlled by adjusting the distance or using different materials. Real-life applications include the operation of electronic devices, power grids, and lightning rods.
  • #1
Fibo112
149
3
Lets say I have two spheres of equal dimensions, one charged and one uncharged. Now I connect them with a conducting wire. They will now very quickly reach equal potential. Can it be said that the total charge on each sphere remains almost unchanged?
 
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  • #2
Fibo112 said:
Can it be said that the total charge on each sphere remains almost unchanged?
No.
 
  • #3
Dale said:
No.
Will the total charges be equal?
 
  • #4
I forgot to mention that the spheres are conductors.
 
  • #5
I can see now that the equality of charges follows from the uniqueness theorem.
 
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Likes Dale
  • #6
Fibo112 said:
Will the total charges be equal?
Yes, exactly
 

1. What is the flow of charge between two spheres?

The flow of charge between two spheres is the movement of electric charge from one sphere to the other. This can occur when there is a difference in electric potential between the two spheres, causing electrons to move from the sphere with a higher potential to the one with a lower potential.

2. What factors affect the flow of charge between two spheres?

The flow of charge between two spheres is affected by the difference in electric potential, the distance between the two spheres, and the material properties of the spheres, such as their conductivity.

3. How is the flow of charge between two spheres calculated?

The flow of charge between two spheres can be calculated using Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

4. Can the flow of charge between two spheres be controlled?

Yes, the flow of charge between two spheres can be controlled by adjusting the distance between them or by using a material with different conductivity properties. In some cases, an external electric field can also be used to control the flow of charge between two spheres.

5. What are some real-life applications of the flow of charge between two spheres?

The flow of charge between two spheres is a fundamental concept in electricity and is used in various real-life applications, such as in the function of electronic devices, the transfer of electricity in power grids, and the operation of lightning rods to protect buildings from lightning strikes.

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