Flow of charge between two spheres

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the flow of charge between two conductive spheres, one charged and one uncharged, when connected by a conducting wire. It is established that upon connection, the spheres reach equal potential rapidly. The total charge on each sphere does not remain unchanged, as the charges redistribute until they are equal due to the uniqueness theorem in electrostatics. Thus, both spheres will ultimately possess equal charges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles
  • Familiarity with the uniqueness theorem in electrostatics
  • Knowledge of conductive materials and their properties
  • Basic concepts of electric potential and charge distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the uniqueness theorem in electrostatics in detail
  • Learn about charge distribution in conductive materials
  • Explore the concept of electric potential and its implications
  • Investigate the behavior of electric fields in conductive systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of electrostatics and charge distribution in conductive materials.

Fibo112
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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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Fibo112 said:
Can it be said that the total charge on each sphere remains almost unchanged?
No.
 
Dale said:
No.
Will the total charges be equal?
 
I forgot to mention that the spheres are conductors.
 
I can see now that the equality of charges follows from the uniqueness theorem.
 
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Fibo112 said:
Will the total charges be equal?
Yes, exactly
 

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