How Does Charge Redistribution Occur Between Two Connected Spherical Conductors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the charge redistribution between two connected spherical conductors, specifically a shell with an initial charge of 2.5 C and a neutral shell. The key equations used are based on the principle that the electric potentials of both shells must be equal when connected by a conducting wire. The participant initially attempted to equate the potentials using the formula V = ke(q/r) but faced challenges in solving for the final charges on both shells. Ultimately, the participant resolved their confusion independently.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics, particularly charge distribution.
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric potential and its calculation.
  • Knowledge of spherical conductors and their properties in electrostatics.
  • Ability to apply Coulomb's law and the principle of superposition in electrostatic scenarios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of charge distribution in conductors.
  • Learn how to calculate electric potential for multiple conductors using V = ke(q/r).
  • Explore the effects of connecting conductors of different sizes and initial charges.
  • Investigate the behavior of electric fields around spherical conductors.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatics, particularly in the context of charge redistribution between conductors.

haydn
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Homework Statement



Two spherical conductors of radii r1 and r2 are separated by a distance much greater than the radius of either sphere. The spheres are connected by a conducting wire as shown in the figure. The charges on the spheres in equilibrium are q1 and q2, respectively, and they are uniformly charged

25-25.gif


What if initially a charge 2.5 C is put on shell #1 with radius 4.3 m, then a far away shell #2 (initially neutral) with radius 7.3 m is connected to shell #1 by a long conducting wire.
(a) What is the final charge on shell #1?(b) What is the final charge on shell #2?(c) What is the electric potential V on shell #1?
(d) What is the electric potential V on shell #2?

Homework Equations



V=ke(q/r)

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the electric potentials of the two shells are equal due to the conducting wire. It says that the conducting wire is "long" so I believe they behave like point charges and I would use the equation I listed. So I figured I would set the equations for the two shells equal and solve, like so:

ke(q1/r1) =
ke(q2/r2)

and solve for the unknown q. I thought this would give me the answer to part A but I was marked wrong... can anyone tell me what I'm doing incorrectly?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
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Nevermind, I got it.
 

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