How do electrons move in a conductor?

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    Conductor Electrons
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the movement of electrons in a conductor connected to charged spheres, exploring the process of charge redistribution until equilibrium is reached. Participants examine the implications of charge potential and the effects of differing sphere sizes on charge distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the process where a positively charged sphere attracts electrons from a conductor, leading to a lack of electrons at one end of the conductor.
  • Another participant clarifies that the process continues until all conductors reach the same electric potential, noting that unequal radii of the spheres result in unequal charge amounts.
  • A later reply reiterates the importance of potential equality and questions the accuracy of the initial explanation regarding charge equality.
  • Further responses confirm that while the process is generally correct, the assertion that the charges will be equal is incorrect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the process of charge redistribution and the role of potential, but there is disagreement regarding the final charge equality of the spheres.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of charge distribution and the effects of conductor properties may not be fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of differing sphere sizes on charge amounts.

erocored
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I have a positively charged sphere that is connected with a conductor to a negatively charged sphere. Positively charged sphere will take electrons from conductor. Then the end of conductor expierences lack of electrons and take them from the nearest atoms of conductor. When it gets to the other end of conductor negatively charged sphere gives electrons to this end. This is going until spheres get equal charge. Is my explanation right?
 
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More correctly, this goes on until all conductors are at the same potential. If the spheres have unequal radii, they will have unequal amounts of charge.
 
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kuruman said:
More correctly, this goes on until all conductors are at the same potential. If the spheres have unequal radii, they will have unequal amounts of charge.
Is everything else right?
 
erocored said:
Is everything else right?
Yes, except for the part that the charges are equal.
 
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kuruman said:
Yes, except for the part that the charges are equal.
Thank you!
 
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