Electric Charges & Fields
Class 12 · Electric Charges & Fields

Charge on Connected Spheres

Same potential ⇒ Q ∝ R, σ ∝ 1/R. Smaller sphere has higher field.

Key Notes

01

Two conducting spheres connected by a wire reach the same potential V.

02

V = kQ/R same on each → Q ∝ R; σ = Q/(4πR²) ∝ 1/R.

03

Smaller sphere has higher σ and stronger surface E.

Formulas

Charge ratio

Connected spheres at common V.

σ ratio

Smaller R → higher σ.

Important Points

Foundation of why lightning conductors work.

Same logic explains why metal protrusions (door knobs) become sites of static spark.

Charge on Connected Spheres notes from sciphylab (also known as SciPhy, SciPhy Lab, SciPhy Labs, Physics Lab). Class 12 physics revision for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, NEET UG, AP Physics 1/2/C, SAT, and CUET-UG.