Identical isolated conducting spheres 1 and 2 have equal charges and are separat

Question

Identical isolated conducting spheres 1 and 2 have equal charges and are separated by a distance that is large compared with their diameters (Fig. 21-21a). The magnitude of the electrostatic force acting on sphere 2 due to sphere 1 is F = 3.0 N. Suppose now that a third identical sphere 3, having an insulating handle and initially neutral, is touched first to sphere 1 (Fig. 21-21b), then to sphere 2 (Fig. 21-21c), and finally removed (Fig. 21-21d). What is the magnitude of the electrostatic force F' that now acts on sphere 2?

Explanation / Answer

force = 3/8 times original force = 1.125 N

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