Two conductors, A and B, are each in the shape of a tetrahedron, but of differen

Question

Two conductors, A and B, are each in the shape of a tetrahedron, but of different sizes. They are charged in the following manner:

1. Tetrahedron A is charged from an electrostatic generator to charge q .

2. Tetrahedron A is briefly touched to tetrahedron B.

3. Steps 1 and 2 are repeated until the charge on tetrahedron B reaches a maximum value.

If the charge on tetrahedron B was q/4 after the first time it touched tetrahedron A, what is the final charge qBmax on tetrahdedron B?

Express your answer in terms of q .

Explanation / Answer

As Tetrahedron A loses Charge to Tetrahedron B and is Charged Again electrostatic generator to charge q.
Thus Qamax = q.

After 1st Touch,
Charge on A = q - q/4 = 3q/4
Charge on B = q/4

Ratio of Charges, a/b = 3q/4 / q/4 = 3

Once the potential on each conductor is the same, there is no net flow of charge between them.

Qbmax = Qamax/3
Qbmax = 1/3 * q
Qbmax = q/3

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