Two uniformely charged spheres (X and Y) are suspended by strings of length L from vertically adjustable supports. The spheres are in static equilibrium and at the same height, as shown below.
The angles with respect to the vertical are Q=13.4°, and T=19.2°. (Q is the angle between sphere X and the vertical. T is the angle between the sphere Y and the vertical.)
True or false:
The charge on X can be negative and that on Y negative.
The charge on X can be negative and that on Y positive.
The amount of charge on Y can be equal to that on X.
The mass of X can be less than that of Y.
The amount of charge on Y can be less than that on X.
I have:
True (they repel)
False (they repel)
False (due to different angles)
True (it could have greater charge)
False (it is repelled more)
Am I thinking these through correctly? Thanks!
The angles with respect to the vertical are Q=13.4°, and T=19.2°. (Q is the angle between sphere X and the vertical. T is the angle between the sphere Y and the vertical.)
True or false:
The charge on X can be negative and that on Y negative.
The charge on X can be negative and that on Y positive.
The amount of charge on Y can be equal to that on X.
The mass of X can be less than that of Y.
The amount of charge on Y can be less than that on X.
I have:
True (they repel)
False (they repel)
False (due to different angles)
True (it could have greater charge)
False (it is repelled more)
Am I thinking these through correctly? Thanks!
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Just because Y moves out farther doesn't mean it has more charge. Both spheres experience the same coulumb force. It doesn't matter what each sphere's charge is because F = K(X)(Y)/r^2 is the same for both spheres. It's possible actually that Y had less mass than X and therefore moved out farther due to the same force. I could be wrong of course, but maybe rethink the last two?