Question

Two identical metal spheres A and B are connected by a plastic rod. Both are initially neutral. 2.0×1012 electrons are added to sphere A, then the connecting rod is removed.

*express all answers in nanocoulombs
A) Afterward, what is the charge of A?
B) Afterward, what is the charge of B?

Answer 1

Sphere A will have a charge of -2.0 nC (nanocoulombs), equivalent to -2.0x10^12 electrons. Sphere B will remain neutral and have zero charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The charge on the metal spheres can be determined by applying the principle of conservation of charge. When two conducting spheres touch each other, the charges redistribute themselves so that the final charge on both spheres is the same.

In this case, sphere A initially has a neutral charge. When 2.0x1012 electrons are added to sphere A, it acquires a negative charge of -2.0x1012 electrons.

The connecting rod does not affect the charge distribution between the spheres. Therefore, after removing the rod, sphere A will have a charge of -2.0x1012 electrons, which is equivalent to -2.0 nC (nanocoulombs). Sphere B, being initially neutral, will remain neutral and have zero charge.