Question

Two conducting spheres of different radii, as shown above, each have charge –Q. Which of the following occurs when the two spheres are connected with a conducting wire?

(A) No charge flows.

(B) Negative charge flows from the larger sphere to the smaller sphere until the electric field at the surface of each sphere is the same.

(C) Negative charge flows from the larger sphere to the smaller sphere until the electric potential of each sphere is the same.

(D) Negative charge flows from the smaller sphere to the larger sphere until the electric field at the surface of each sphere is the same.

(E) Negative charge flows from the smaller sphere to the larger sphere until the electric potential of each sphere is the same.

Answer 1

The correct option is: (E) Negative charge flows from the smaller sphere to the larger sphere until the electric potential of each sphere is the same.

Explanation:

V = kQ/r so the smaller sphere is at the lower potential (more negative = lower) Negative charge flows from low to high potential so the charge will flow from the smaller sphere to the larger. The flow of charge ceases when there is no difference in potential.