A charge is placed on a spherical conductor of radius r1. This sphere is then connected to a distant sphere of radius r2 (not equal to r1) by a conducting wire. After the charges on the spheres are in equilibrium,

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the two spheres are in contact, they will reach the same potential since any excess charge will spread out evenly among the conductors until the potential is the same throughout. Therefore, both spheres are at the same potential. The ratio of potentials is not necessary to determine. The amount of charge on each sphere after equilibrium will depend on the initial charge distribution and is not necessarily q/2. The electric fields at the surfaces of the two spheres are not necessarily equal since they depend on the charge distributions and radii of the spheres.

A Charge Is Placed on a Spherical Conductor of Radius