Question

Two identical small charged spheres are a certain distance apart, and each one initially experiences an electrostatic force of magnitude F due to the other. With time, charge gradually leaks off of both spheres. Calculate the magnitude of the electrostatic force, when each of the spheres has lost half of its initial charge. (Your answer will be a function of F, since no values are giving)

Answer 1

1/4F

Step-by-step explanation:

We already know thatThe electrostatic force is directly proportional to the product of the charge, from Coulomb's law.

So F α Qq

But if it is now half the initial charges, then

F α (1/2)Q *(1/2)q

F α (1/4)Qq

Thus the resultant charges are each halved is (1/4) and the first initial force experienced at full charge.

Thus the answer will be 1/4F