Two conducting spheres, one having twice the diameter of the other, are separated by a distance large compared to their diameters. The smaller sphere (1) has charge q and the larger sphere (2) is uncharged. If the spheres are connected by a long thin wire:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the two spheres are connected by a wire, they will reach a common potential. Since the larger sphere (2) is uncharged, it will acquire a charge by induction from sphere 1. However, the potential at any point on the surface of a conductor is solely determined by the charge density on that surface. Since the two spheres are of the same material and connected by a wire, they will distribute charge until their surfaces have the same potential. Therefore, the potential of spheres 1 and 2 will be the same after they are connected by the wire.

Two Conducting Spheres, One Having Twice the Diameter of the Other