Question

Two tiny conducting spheres are identical and carry charges of -23.0C and +67.2C. They are separated by a distance of 3.18 cm. (a) What is the magnitude of the force that each sphere experiences? (b) The spheres are brought into contact and then separated to a distance of 3.18 cm. Determine the magnitude of the force that each sphere now experiences.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Charge 1,
`q_1=-23\ C`

Charge 2,
`q_1=+67\ C`

Distance between charges, r = 3.18 cm = 0.0318 m

(a) Let F is the magnitude of force that each sphere experiences. The force is given by :

`F=k(q_1q_2)/(r^2)`

`F=9* 10^9* (-23* 67)/((0.0318)^2)`

`F=-1.37* 10^(16)\ N`

(b) The spheres are brought into contact and then separated to a distance of 3.18 cm. When they are in contact, both possess equal charges. Net charge is :

`q=(q_1+q_2)/(2)`

`q=(-23+67)/(2)=22\ C`

Electric force is given by :

`F=9* 10^9* (22^2)/((0.0318)^2)`

`F=4.307* 10^(15)\ N`

Hence, this is the required solution.