Two conducting spheres A and B of radii 'a' and 'b', respectively are charged to have the same electric potential. The ratio of surface charge densities of A and B is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → $\frac{b}{a}$
Let the potentials of both spheres be equal.
Potential of a charged sphere, $V = \frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}\frac{Q}{R}$
For spheres A and B:
$\frac{Q_A}{a} = \frac{Q_B}{b}$
⇒ $\frac{Q_A}{Q_B} = \frac{a}{b}$
Surface charge density, $\sigma = \frac{Q}{4\pi R^2}$
Hence,
$\frac{\sigma_A}{\sigma_B} = \frac{Q_A / a^2}{Q_B / b^2} = \frac{Q_A b^2}{Q_B a^2}$
Substitute $\frac{Q_A}{Q_B} = \frac{a}{b}$
$\frac{\sigma_A}{\sigma_B} = \frac{a b^2}{b a^2} = \frac{b}{a}$
∴ Ratio of surface charge densities = $\frac{b}{a}$