Two identical like-charged conductive spheres are placed very close

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In summary, when two identical like-charged conductive spheres are placed close to each other, the charges will redistribute on the surface with an effective center-to-center distance rc that is greater than the physical center-to-center separation r. This is due to repulsion between the like charges, causing them to spread out on the far ends of the spheres.
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dlslhc
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Homework Statement


Two identical like-charged conductive spheres are placed very close to each other, the charges willl redistribute themselves on the sphere's surface with an effective center-to-center distance rc so as to approximately satisfy the Coulomb's law, F = ke q1 q2 / (rc)^2. Is the value of rc larger or smaller than the physical center-to-center separation r between the two spheres? Explain

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I guess the surfaces between the spheres will become neutral, and the charges will redistribute on the other side in each sphere, then i have no idea what to do next with the question.
I have not study for five years, forget most of them already, please help, thx
 
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  • #2
You're right. Due to repulsion, the charges will end up on the far ends of the spheres. Hence the distance between the charges will be greater than the center to center distance between the spheres.
 
  • #3
Okay, thanks very much
 

1. What is the force between two identical like-charged conductive spheres placed very close to each other?

The force between two identical like-charged conductive spheres placed very close to each other is determined by Coulomb's Law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the spheres.

2. How does the distance between the spheres affect the force between them?

The force between two identical like-charged conductive spheres is inversely proportional to the distance between them. As the distance decreases, the force increases, and vice versa.

3. What happens to the force between the spheres if one of the charges is doubled?

If one of the charges is doubled, the force between the spheres will also double, as the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges.

4. Can the force between two identical like-charged conductive spheres ever be zero?

Yes, the force between two identical like-charged conductive spheres can be zero if the charges on the spheres are equal and opposite, canceling each other out.

5. How does the presence of a medium between the spheres affect the force between them?

The presence of a medium between the spheres can affect the force between them by changing the dielectric constant, which is a measure of the medium's ability to store electric charge. This can cause the force to be either increased or decreased, depending on the specific characteristics of the medium.

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