Question

A conductor carries a certain charge. When it is connected to another uncharged conductor of finite capacity, then the energy of the combined system is :

• A. more than that of the first conductor
• B. less than that of the first conductor
• C. equal than that of the first conductor
• D. uncertain

Answer 1

The correct option is B less than that of the first conductor

When the charged conductor is connected to another uncharged conductor of finite capacity, the charge will flow from charged conductor to uncharged conductor due to electrostatic induction. The energy will be lost during transfer of charge due to heating effect. Thus the energy of the combined system is less than of charged conductor.