3) Suppose we have four conductor-coated pith balls A, B, C, and D suspended on

Question

3) Suppose we have four conductor-coated pith balls A, B, C, and D suspended on non-conducting threads. The charge states of all four balls are initially unknown. We now take a rubber rod, rub it with fur so that it has a negative charge, and bring it in contact with sphere A. Then we bring the balls near each other (without contact), two by iwo. The interactions are as follows: (1) B, C, and D are all attracted to A (2) B and C have no discernible effect on each other, (3) B and C are both attracted to D. (a) What are the charge states of A, B, C, and D? Explain your reasoning. (b) In the story above and its conclusions, what were the observations and what were the inferences?

Explanation / Answer

a) As 'A' is brought in contact with negative charge, it is also negatively charged now. B, C and D all are attracted towards A, therefore none of them have negative charge on them.

B and C donot have any effect on each other. THen both of them are neutral. When they are taken near A they get induced charge of positivity and hence they are attracted towards A.

B and C are also attracted to D. And D is attacted to A. THen D is charged and the charge is opposite to that of A. Therefore it must be positively charged. When B and C are broguht near D they get an induced charge of positivity and hence are attracted.

b) Observations: A gets charged when brought in contact with rubber rod. B and C dnot have any affect on each other. D is attracted towards A

Inferences: Induced charged balls atract to both positive and negative charges.

Opposite charges attract to each other.

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