Why Do Spherical Capacitors Have Equal and Opposite Charges?

AI Thread Summary
In a spherical capacitor, when a constant voltage is applied, the inner metal sphere and the outer shell acquire equal and opposite charges due to the principle of conservation of charge. If a positive charge +Q accumulates on one conductor, an equal negative charge -Q must appear on the other to maintain charge neutrality. This occurs because the two conductors are connected, allowing charge to flow between them until equilibrium is reached. The process ensures that the total charge remains constant, adhering to fundamental electrostatic principles. Thus, the equal and opposite charges are a direct result of charge conservation in the system.
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If you have a spherical capacitor consisting of a metal sphere at an inner radius and an outer metal shell at an outer radius.. then you apply a constant voltage over the two plates.

Why is it so that the two metal plates will have the same total charge? Is this by conservation of charge?

Im thinking that it might be because if +Q goes to one sphere and charge can not be created, so therefore -Q has to go to the other? Is this correct?
 
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I think I was a bit too fast posting this question :)
I figured it must be because the two conductors are connected such that a current of charge runs from the one to the others. Hence -Q goes to one leaving the other with +Q.
 
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