Two isolated metallic solid spheres of radii $R$ and $2R$ are charged such that both have same charge…

Two isolated metallic solid spheres of radii $R$ and $2R$ are charged such that both have same charge density $\sigma$. The spheres are then connected by a thin conducting wire. If the new charge density of the bigger sphere is $\sigma'$. The ratio $\frac{\sigma'}{\sigma}$ is:
  1. $\frac{9}{4}$
  2. $\frac{4}{3}$
  3. $\frac{5}{3}$
  4. $\frac{5}{6}$

Solution

Charge and charge density on both isolated metallic solid spheres are show below.

Let the charges and the charge densities on both the spheres after connected by thin conducting wire be Q1', Q2', σ and σ' as shown below.

Once connected, charge on both the spheres will redistribute such that potentials at the surface of both spheres is the same.

kQ1'R=kQ2'2R

Q1'4πε0R=Q2'4πε02R

Q2'=2Q1'

Using charge conservation, 

Q1'+Q2'=Q1+Q2

Q2'2+Q2'=20πR2σ

32Q2'=20πR2σ

Q2'4π2R2=23×20πR2σ16πR2

σ'σ=56

Asked in: JEE Main 2023 (30 Jan Shift 1)

Practice more Electrostatics questions on Aicharya