LikwidN2
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When a charge is applied to a conducting sphere and connected to another conducting sphere by an ideal thin wire (infinite distance apart), the potential at the surface of each sphere is the same.
However, that means (for spheres of different radii) that the charge density on each sphere would be unequal. This seems counterintuitive. Why wouldn't the charges maintain maximum (and therefor equal) distances from each other, giving equal charge density.
It's been proved to me using Gauss's Law, and the numbers work right, but to me that's the equivalent of saying the sky is blue because a camera detects it as being blue (apologies for the awful analogy, but I think you'll get what I mean - I want something more concrete and intuitive).
Is there any such explanation? I'm not doubting Gauss or my physics textbook, just trying to understand this seemingly fundamental concept.
Thanks in advance,
Likwid
P.S - Lucky you guys, there's actually no problem attatched to this question.
However, that means (for spheres of different radii) that the charge density on each sphere would be unequal. This seems counterintuitive. Why wouldn't the charges maintain maximum (and therefor equal) distances from each other, giving equal charge density.
It's been proved to me using Gauss's Law, and the numbers work right, but to me that's the equivalent of saying the sky is blue because a camera detects it as being blue (apologies for the awful analogy, but I think you'll get what I mean - I want something more concrete and intuitive).
Is there any such explanation? I'm not doubting Gauss or my physics textbook, just trying to understand this seemingly fundamental concept.
Thanks in advance,
Likwid
P.S - Lucky you guys, there's actually no problem attatched to this question.
This naivity thing isn't working out so good anymore..