Two tiny conducting spheres are identical and carry charges of -20.0 µC and +42.

Question

Two tiny conducting spheres are identical and carry charges of -20.0 µC and +42.0 µC. They are separated by a distance of 2.00 cm.

(a) What is the magnitude of the force that each sphere experiences, and is the force attractive or repulsive?_______________ N and the force is (Attractive OR repulsive???)

(b) The spheres are brought into contact and then separated to a distance of 2.00 cm. Determine the magnitude of the force that each sphere now experiences, and state whether the force is attractive or repulsive. ?_______________ N and the force is (Attractive OR repulsive???)

Explanation / Answer

(a)The force they each feel is F = keq1q2/r2 = (9 x 10^9)*(2 x10^-5)*(4.2 x 10^-5)/(.02)^2 = 1.89 x 104 N, and attractive because the charges are of opposite sign.

(b)After contact, the charges each carry equal charge, and by conservation of charge, the total charge is +22.0 C, so each has +11 C. The force, F = keq1q2/r2, is now (9 x 10^9)*(1.1 x 10^-5)2/(.02) = 2.72 x 103 N.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.