Question

A conducting sphere with radius $4.0cm$ has a net positive charge on it. The sphere is then connected with a metal wire to a second, uncharged, sphere of radius $1.0cm$.
Which statement below BEST describes the flow of electrons when the metal wire connects the two spheres?

• A. Electrons flow from the $4.0cm$ radius sphere to the $1.0cm$ radius sphere, leaving the 4.0-cm radius sphere with a net charge of zero.
• B. Electrons flow from the $1.0cm$ radius sphere to the $4.0cm$ radius sphere, until both spheres have the same net positive charge.
• C. Electrons flow from the $4.0cm$ radius sphere to the $1.0cm$ radius sphere until both spheres have the same net positive charge.
• D. Electrons flow from the $1.0cm$ radius sphere to the $4.0cm$ radius sphere until the surfaces of both spheres are at the same electric potential.
• E. Electrons do not flow along the wire, because the system is already in equilibrium.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Electrons flow from the $1.0cm$ radius sphere to the $4.0cm$ radius sphere until the surfaces of both spheres are at the same electric potential.

Potential of a conductor can be assumed as the level of charges in it .When we connect two spheres with a metal wire electrons will flow from the neutral sphere to positively charged sphere until their electric potentials become equal just like water flows from a container to another container having different water level until their water levels become equal .