10. Two tiny conducting spheres are identical and carry charges of -20.0 µC and +50.0 µC. They are separated by a distance of 2.50 cm. (a) What is the magnitude of the force that each sphere experiences, and is the force attractive or repulsive? (b) The spheres are brought into contact and then separated to a distance of 2.50 cm. Determine the magnitude of the force that each sphere now experiences, and state whether the force is attractive or repulsive.

 

 

- sign indicates attractive.  Note: oppositely signed charges again attractive force.

 

When the two spheres touch the charge is equilibrated.  Since the conducting spheres are identical, it is just the numerical average.

 

 

Force now that the charge is equilibrated is

 

 

 

Since the charge is now both positive, the force will be repulsive.

 

, - Sign indicates attractive.

, + Sign indicates repulsive.

 

 

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This page last updated on May 31, 2018