20 Physics -- Electric Potential

A charged conical conductor looses its charge earlier than the similarly charged sphere, why?

A charged conical conductor looses its charge earlier than the similarly charged sphere, why?

It is due to action of point. A conical conductor has a non-uniform shape. At its pointed end, the surface density of charges is high. As a result, the charges are lost to the surrounding easily.

While in a uniform sphere, the electric charges are distributed evenly and the surface charge density is low. Thus, the action of point is negligiible and less charge is lost. 

Close Open App