onsider three identical metal spheres, A, B, and C. Sphere A carries a charge of

Question

onsider three identical metal spheres, A, B, and C. Sphere A carries a charge of +2q. Sphere B carries a charge of -5q. Sphere C carries no net charge. Spheres A and B are touched together and then separated. Sphere C is then touched to sphere A and separated from it. Last, sphere C is touched to sphere B and separated from it. For the following questions, express your answers in terms of q.

(a) How much charge ends up on sphere C?

(b) What is the total charge on the three spheres before they are allowed to touch each other?

(c) What is the total charge on the three spheres after they have touched?

Explanation / Answer

after touching two spheres, the charge is distributed unformly.

after touching A and B, charges on A and B = (+2q-5q)/2 = -1.5 q

after touching C and A, charges on them = (0-1.5q)/2 = -0.75q

after touching C and B, charges on them = (-0.75q-1.5q)/2 = -1.125q

(a) -1.125q

(b) total charge = +2q-5q = -3q

(c) total chrage is conserved so remain same = -3q

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