Help understanding theory of Charge distribution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theory of charge distribution in conductors, specifically in the context of Gauss' law, capacitors, and electric potential. Participants are exploring the implications of connecting two conductors with unequal charges and the resulting charge redistribution and electric fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that when two unequal charged conductors are brought into contact, they would become equally charged.
  • Another participant questions the assumption that the electric potential of each conductor would be the same, stating that potential depends on charge, which differs between the conductors.
  • A later reply reiterates that if the potentials were not equal, an electric field would exist at the connection point, causing a current to flow until equilibrium is reached.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the idea that the potential outside the conductors would be equal, indicating a belief that this viewpoint may be incorrect.
  • Another participant clarifies that while the potential must be the same just outside the conductors, the electric fields can differ, particularly if the conductors are of unequal sizes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the relationship between charge distribution and electric potential in the conductors. There is no consensus on whether the conductors will become equally charged or if the potentials outside the conductors can be considered equal.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of electric fields and potentials in conductors, which may depend on specific conditions such as the size and shape of the conductors. There are unresolved questions about the implications of these assumptions on charge distribution.

eps1lon
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Hi everyone I am very new here so please don' be too harsh with me :shy: I hope I posted this in the right section. If I haven't, then please accept my apologies and can a mod please kindly move my post to the appropriate section?

Im taking a very basic physics class atm and I was having trouble understanding some theory behind the unit we are on right now (Gauss' law/capacitors/charges/potentials).

Yesterday my teacher left us with a question to think about and I'm having difficulty understanding the reasoning behind it. He asked that if there's two unequal charged conductors and they're brought into contact w/ each other, the charge will redistribute betw/ the two conductors in a fashion that...

Now, I think that they would become equally charged but one of my other friends brought up the point that the potential inside each conductor is the same and I'm not sure whether or not he's right. Anyone know what the correct answer to this abstract question?

As well, would someone please explain to me (if I'm wrong) if it could be possible that the field outside conductor 1 might be the same as the field outside conductor 2?
 
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Why would the electric potential of each conductor be the same? Potential is dependent on q, which is not the same in each conductor.
 
Feldoh said:
Why would the electric potential of each conductor be the same? Potential is dependent on q, which is not the same in each conductor.

If the potential was not the same, there would be an electric field at the place where the conductors are connected and a current would flow until the conductors were at the same potential.
 
kamerling said:
If the potential was not the same, there would be an electric field at the place where the conductors are connected and a current would flow until the conductors were at the same potential.

So then would I be right in the sense that the conductors would become equally charged? I find it hard believing that the potential OUTSIDE the conductors would be equal so I think that viewpoint is wrong.
 
Just outside the conductors, the potential must be the same everywhere. but the electric field can be different.
If you have two spheres of unequal size, and you connect them with a wire, the spheres will have the same potential, but the electric field outside of the smaller sphere will be bigger.
 

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