Two identical conducting spheres, fixed in place, attract each other with an ele

Question

Two identical conducting spheres, fixed in place, attract each other with an electrostatic force of -0.1510 N when separated by 50 cm, center-to-center. The spheres are then connected by a thin conducting wire. When the wire is removed, the spheres repel each other with an electrostatic force of 0.0921 N. What were the initial charges on the spheres? Since one is negative and you cannot tell which is positive or negative, there are two solutions. Take the absolute value of the charges and enter the smaller value here?

and Enter the larger value here?

Explanation / Answer

LETS say q1 and q2 charges were there initially

so, kq1 q2 / 0.52 = 0.151

q1 q2 = 4.2 * 10-12

when connected , charges get shared , so charge on sphere afterwards = q1-q2/2

so now force will be repelling = k ( q1-q2/2)2/0.52 = 0.0921 N

q1-q2 = 3.2 * 10-6

so one charge = 4.2uC

and another =- 1uC

use twoequations

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

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