Question

Which of the values are possible charges of those oil droplets?

a) +2e, +5e, −6e
b) −2e, −5e, −6e
c) +1e, −3e, −4e
d) −1e, +3e, +4e

Answer 1

The possible charges of the oil droplets are +2e and -6e, corresponding to answer choice a) +2e, +5e, −6e.

Step-by-step explanation:

The possible charges of the oil droplets can be determined by considering the charges of the latex spheres before and after the collision. According to the given information, the charges on the latex spheres are +3e, +5e, and -3e, respectively. When the spheres collide and separate, the total charge must be conserved. Therefore, the sum of the charges on the oil droplets after the collision should equal the sum of the charges on the latex spheres before the collision.

So, the possible charges of the oil droplets are +2e and -6e. This corresponds to answer choice a) +2e, +5e, −6e.