In: Physics
Consider three identical metal spheres, A, B, and C. Sphere A carries a charge of +6q. Sphere B carries a charge of +q. 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? Incorrect: Your answer is incorrect. (b) What is the total charge on the three spheres before they are allowed to touch each other? Incorrect: Your answer is incorrect. (c) What is the total charge on the three spheres after they have touched?
Given the initial charges
When two or more identical conductors came into to contact with each other then the total charge on then redistributes equally among them.
1. Spheres A and B are touched together and then separated.
The total charge on A and B is +7q which divides equally among them with +3.5q each.
2. Sphere C is then touched to sphere A and separated from it.
The total charge on A and C now is +3.5q which divides equally among them with +1.75q each.
3. Sphere C is touched to sphere B and separated from it.
The total charge on B and C now is +5.25q which divides equally among them with +2.625q each.
a) The final charge on C is +2.625q.
b) The total charge on the three spheres before they are allowed to touch each other is +7q.
c) The total charge on the three spheres after they have touched is +7q, (Same as intial as the charge is conserved.)