In the figure three identical conducting spheres initially have the following ch

Question

In the figure three identical conducting spheres initially have the following charges: sphere A, 3Q; sphere B, -8Q; and sphere C, 0. Spheres A and B are fixed in place, with a center-to-center separation that is much larger than the spheres. Two experiments are conducted. In experiment 1, sphere C is touched to sphere A and then (separately) to sphere B, and then it is removed. In experiment 2, starting with the same initial states, the procedure is reversed: Sphere C is touched to sphere B and then (separately) to sphere A, and then it is removed. What is the ratio of the electrostatic force between A and B at the end of experiment 2 to that at the end of experiment 1?

Explanation / Answer

at the end of experiment 1

A: 1.5 Q, B = (-8Q+1.5Q)/2 = 3.25 Q

experiment 2:

A: -0.5Q

B: -4Q

F1 = k*1.5*3.25Q^2/r^2

F2 = K*0.5*4 Q^2/r^2

F2:F1 = 0.5*4/(1.5*3.25) =0.41:1

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