Question

There are two identical, positively charged conducting spheres fixed in space. The spheres are 39.4 cm apart (center to center) and repel each other with an electrostatic force of F1 = 0.0765 N. Then, a thin conducting wire connects the spheres, redistributing the charge on each sphere. When the wire is removed the spheres still repel but with a force of F2 = 0.100 N. Using this information, find the initial charge on each sphere, q1 and q2 if initially q1

Answer 1

here ,

let the charges are x and y

Now, for force needed

9 *10^9 * x * y/(0.394)^2 = 0.0765

Now, when they are touched

the charges will be (x + y)/2

9 *10^9 * ((x +y)/2)^2/.394^2 = 0.100

solving for x and y

x = 6.7 *10^-7 C

y = 1.95 *10^-6 C

the charges q1 and q2 are 6.7 *10^-7 C and 1.95 *10^-6 C