Two concentric spherical conducting shells of radii R and 2R carry charges Q and 2Q respectively. The change in electric potential on the outer shell when both are connected by a conducting wire is:
Correct answer: A. Zero
- A. Zero
- B. 3kQ/2R
- C. kQ/R
- D. 2kQ/R
Explanation
When connected by a wire, charge will flow until the potential is equal everywhere. Before connecting, the potential of the outer shell depends on both charges. After connecting, the entire system becomes a single conductor at a uniform potential, but the potential of the outer shell specifically does not change.
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Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.
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