Question

Two identical conducting small spheres are placed with their centers 0.220 m apart. One is given a charge of 12.0 nC and the other a charge of 16.0 nC. (a) Find the electric force exerted by one sphere on the other. magnitude N direction (b) The spheres are connected by a conducting wire. Find the electric force each exerts on the other after they have come to equilibrium. magnitude N direction

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Force between two charges can be calculated with the help of following expression

F = kq₁q₂ / r² where F is force between charges q₁ and q₂ and r is distance between the two. k is a constant .

F = 9 x 10⁹ x 12 x 10⁻⁹ x 16 x 10⁻⁹ / .22²

= 35702.47 x 10⁻⁹ N . The force will be directed away from the other charge ie it will be repulsive.

b) When the spheres are connected , charge will be equally distributed on them .

charge on each of them = (12 + 16) / 2 x 10⁻⁹

= 14 x 10⁻⁹ C

force = 9 x 10⁹ x (14 x 10⁻⁹)² / .22²

= 36446.28 x 10⁻⁹ N .