In: Physics
In each of the scenarios below, two spheres of the same size and shape hang from a common attachment point. Each sphere is electrically charged and is either perfectly conductive or perfectly insulating, as indicated in the key below. The magnitude of charge Q is greater than the magnitude of charge q.
Each pair of spheres is allowed to swing freely and comes to rest in some equilibrium position. In each scenario, determine whether the spheres come to rest in contact, or separated by some distance. Assume that the weight of the spheres is small enough that electrostatic forces are significant.