Two spherical conductors $A$ and $B$ of radii $a$ and $b$ $(b>a)$ are placed concentrically in air. The two…

Two spherical conductors $A$ and $B$ of radii $a$ and $b$ $(b>a)$ are placed concentrically in air. The two are connected by a copper wire as shown in figure. Then the equivalent capacitance of the system is
  1. $\frac{4 \pi \varepsilon_{0} a b}{b-a}$
  2. $4 \pi \varepsilon_{0}(a+b)$
  3. $4 \pi \varepsilon_{0} b$
  4. $4 \pi \varepsilon_{0} a$

Solution

For a while, let's assume that there is no connection between the inner and outer spheres. The two spheres on given some charges \(\mathrm{q}_1 ~\&~ \mathrm{q}_2\). Now, \(v_a=\frac{k q_1}{a}+\frac{k q_2}{b}\) \(v_b=\frac{k q_1}{b}+\frac{k q_2}{b}\) So, \(\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm{a}}>\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm{b}}\) This directly implies that any charges given to inner sphere will move to the outer sphere if the two are provided with a connection. Therefore, the setup is equivalent to an isolated spherical conductor of radius b. And we know for such a case \(C=4 \pi \epsilon_0 R=4 \pi \epsilon_0 b\) ~

Asked in: JEE Mains - Capacitance - Test 1

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