Question

two identical brass balls mounted on wooden posts initially have different amounts of charge, one +5uC and the other +19uC. the balls are allowed to touch and then are separated again. What is the final charge on each ball?

Answer 1

The answer is +12uC.

The balls are conducting but isolated from the rest of the world. They retain all their charge and being identical share it evenly when they touch.

So 19 + 5 = 24
24 / 2 = 12

Answer 2

Answer: +12 uC

Step-by-step explanation:

When two charged objects are brought in contact, charge is transferred from the one with more potential to one with less till the two have same charge. Charge transfer takes place whenever there is a charge difference.

When a brass ball having +5 uC is brought in contact with another brass ball with +19 uC charge, charge is transferred.

Net charge = +19 uC + (+5uC) = +24 uC

After charge transfer, each ball would have = + 24 uC/2 = +12 uC charge each.