Final answer:
When two charged objects are brought into contact, the charges redistribute and divide evenly if the objects are identical. The principle of charge conservation applies, and the total charge before contact remains the same after separation. In a closed system, contact with a charged object will transfer charge to an uncharged one.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a significant charge difference exists between two objects, such as two conducting spheres on insulating stands, and they are brought into contact, the charges will redistribute. The final charges on each sphere depend on their initial charges and the principle of charge conservation.
If sphere A has a charge of – 5 nC and sphere B has a charge of – 3 nC, the total charge is – 8 nC. When they touch, this total charge divides evenly since the spheres are identical, leaving each sphere with a charge of – 4 nC after they are separated.
If a positively charged object is brought into contact with an uncharged object in a closed system, the uncharged object will become positively charged due to electron transfer from the uncharged to the charged object until equilibrium is reached.
In the case of a battery, a chemical reaction drives a separation of charge, leaving one side positively charged and the other negatively charged, thus creating a potential difference between the anode and cathode.