Here is the question:
Two metal spheres of equal radii have a charge of -2.4 x 10^-10 C and + 3.6 x 10^10 C. Determine the charges, if any, on each of the spheres if they are touched simultaneously and then released.
I don't understand how to calculate the question. It's probably really simple but I would really appreciate if someone showed me.
Two metal spheres of equal radii have a charge of -2.4 x 10^-10 C and + 3.6 x 10^10 C. Determine the charges, if any, on each of the spheres if they are touched simultaneously and then released.
I don't understand how to calculate the question. It's probably really simple but I would really appreciate if someone showed me.
-
Since the conducting spheres have equal radii, they'll have equal charge after touching. The total charge present is
-2.4 x 10^-10 C + 3.6 x 10^-10 C = + 1.2 x 10^-10 C
so if they have equal charge, each must have half that, or
+ 0.6 x 10^-10 C
(This is a consequence of the spheres having equal potential while they are in contact, and if the spheres had unequal radii, you'd need to use that fact. But this question is typically asked in courses before the concept of potential has been developed.)
-2.4 x 10^-10 C + 3.6 x 10^-10 C = + 1.2 x 10^-10 C
so if they have equal charge, each must have half that, or
+ 0.6 x 10^-10 C
(This is a consequence of the spheres having equal potential while they are in contact, and if the spheres had unequal radii, you'd need to use that fact. But this question is typically asked in courses before the concept of potential has been developed.)
-
You're welcome. I'm glad to help.
Report Abuse