How Does a Connecting Wire Affect Electric Fields Between Two Charged Spheres?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of a connecting wire on the electric fields between two charged conducting spheres. When a wire connects the spheres, charge redistributes until equilibrium is reached, resulting in equal electric potential across both spheres. The electric field due to each sphere is calculated using the formula E = Q/(4πε₀R²), where Q is the charge and R is the radius of the sphere. Ultimately, the presence of the wire facilitates charge movement, leading to a balanced charge distribution and uniform potential.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and electric fields
  • Familiarity with Gauss's Law
  • Knowledge of conducting materials and charge distribution
  • Basic principles of electric potential
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's Law applications in electrostatics
  • Explore charge distribution in connected conductors
  • Learn about electric potential and its calculations
  • Investigate the behavior of electric fields in conductive materials
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as educators and anyone interested in the principles of electric fields and charge distribution in conductive systems.

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Not sure which equations, pretty sure anything goes for find e fields like Gauss. I'm not even sure of the behavior of the system. Two conducting spheres with a charge on them, the field of each one just be Q/4pi(eps_0)R^2; but there's a wire attaching them?
 
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The conducting wire allows for charge to move from one sphere to another. Eventually things will balance out and the charges stop moving. When this happens what can you say about the potential?
 

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