Question

Two small metallic spheres, each of mass 2.00 g, are suspended as pendulums by light, non-conducting strings with lengths of 10 cm. The spheres are given the same electric charge, and it is found that they come to equilibrium when each string is at an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the vertical. 1) What would happen if the charges on the two spheres were not equal? Would it be possible for the two spheres to hang symmetrically at a 30 degree angle if the charges were not equal? 2) How about if the masses of the two spheres were not equal? Would it be possible for the two spheres to hang symmetrically at 30 degrees if the masses were not equal? Explain.

Answer 1

1) Yes it is possible that the strings will make equal angle as the electrostatic forces on both the spheres will be equal.

2) No, because the weight of the two masses will not be equal.