Solving for Charge Distribution on 2 Conducting Spheres & Rod

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two conducting spheres with different radii connected by a conducting rod, where a total charge is distributed among them. The subject area includes electrostatics and charge distribution principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply conservation of charge and uniform charge distribution principles but expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with the equations. Some participants note the existence of three equations based on the charge distribution ratios.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of uniform charge distribution and questioning the justification for this assumption. Guidance has been offered regarding the equations available, but no consensus has been reached on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement, which includes specific charge values and geometrical dimensions. The original poster indicates a need for additional equations to solve for the unknowns.

bobmerhebi
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Homework Statement



2 conducting spheres with radii 2 & 3m are connected with a conducting rod of thickness 0.1m & length 0.5m. 500C charge is put on the 2m radius sphere.
Find the amount of charge on each sphere & on the rod.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



By conservation of charges: Q1 + Q2 + Q3 = 500 ... (1); Q1 of rod & Q2 & Q3 of 2m & 3m radii spheres respectively.

As charges are uniformly distributed we have: [tex]\sigma[/tex]1 = [tex]\sigma[/tex]2 = [tex]\sigma[/tex]3

so Q1/A1 = Q2/A2 = Q3/A3 ... (2)



here i got stuck & don;t know how to continue. i know that i need to find 3 equations with 3 unkowns & solve the system, but I am not seeing these equation except for (1) & probably i have to use parts of (2).

could someone help please. thx
 
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you have three equations, (1) and two equations in (2). Q_1/A_1 = Q_2/A_2 and Q_2/A_2 = Q_3/A_3.
 


thx 4 the help
 


bobmerhebi said:
As charges are uniformly distributed we have: [tex]\sigma[/tex]1 = [tex]\sigma[/tex]2 = [tex]\sigma[/tex]3

Can you justify this?
 


coz charges on conductors tend to uniformly distribute them selves. isn't it?
 

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