Why Does Charge Flow to Outer Spherical Shell?

In summary, when two concentric conducting spherical shells of radii R and 2R with charges +Q and +2Q respectively are connected by a conducting wire, the charge from the inner sphere flows to the outer sphere until the potential difference between them is zero. This is necessary to eliminate any electric field between the two spheres, which would contradict the original concept.
  • #1
Highwaydude
9
0
So there are two concentric conducting spherical shells one with radius R and another 2R with charge +Q and +2Q respectively... Now the two are connected by a conducting wire. Why does the entire charge flow to the outer shell?

Please clarify my doubts. I will be grateful.
 
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  • #2
Once you connect the two spheres with the wire, current will flow until the potential difference between the spheres is zero. To achieve this, it's necessary the inner sphere hold no charge. If there were some charge left on the inner sphere after connecting it to the wire, there would be an electric field in the region between the two spheres. Upon integrating such a field in this region, we would end up with a potential difference, a contradiction with the original idea.
 
  • #3
oooh, i get it... yea! thank you very much.
 

Related to Why Does Charge Flow to Outer Spherical Shell?

1. Why does charge flow to the outer spherical shell?

Charge flows to the outer spherical shell due to the principle of electrostatic equilibrium. This principle states that charges will distribute themselves on a conductive surface in such a way that the electric field inside the conductor is zero. As a result, any excess charge will move to the outer surface of the conductor, which in this case is the outer spherical shell.

2. What determines the amount of charge that flows to the outer spherical shell?

The amount of charge that flows to the outer spherical shell is determined by the charge distribution on the inner conductor and the geometry of the system. This includes the radius and separation of the two conductors, as well as the amount and distribution of charge on the inner conductor.

3. Can charge flow to the outer spherical shell in a non-conductive material?

No, charge cannot flow to the outer spherical shell in a non-conductive material. This is because non-conductive materials, also known as insulators, do not allow the free movement of electrons. Therefore, any excess charge will remain on the inner conductor and will not distribute itself on the surface of the insulator.

4. How does the presence of other conductors or charges affect the flow of charge to the outer spherical shell?

The presence of other conductors or charges in the vicinity can affect the flow of charge to the outer spherical shell. This is because these conductors or charges can create an electric field that can influence the distribution of charge on the inner conductor and therefore affect the amount of charge that flows to the outer shell.

5. Is the flow of charge to the outer spherical shell a continuous process?

The flow of charge to the outer spherical shell is a continuous process until electrostatic equilibrium is reached. Once the charges have distributed themselves in such a way that the electric field inside the conductor is zero, there will be no further flow of charge to the outer shell. This process can happen quickly or slowly, depending on the geometry and charge distribution of the system.

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