Electric field problem — Changing the charge on two spheres

In summary, when an uncharged sphere C is touched to two identical conducting spheres A and B with equal charges, the electrostatic force between A and B becomes 3/8 of the original force F. This is because when an uncharged object is touched to a charged object, the charge is divided and redistributed between the two objects, resulting in a decrease in the net charge of each object.
  • #1
KingAlexander211B
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0
Homework Statement
Two identical conducting spheres A and B carry equal charge. They are separated by a distance much larger than their diameters. A third identical conducting sphere C is uncharged. Sphere C isfirst touched to A, then to B, and finally removed. As a result, the electrostatic force between A and B, which was originally F, becomes:

A. F/2
B. F/4
C. 3F/8
D. F/16
E. 0
Relevant Equations
F=(Ke*Q*q)/r**2
Two identical conducting spheres A and B carry equal charge. They are separated by a distance much larger than their diameters. A third identical conducting sphere C is uncharged. Sphere C isfirst touched to A, then to B, and finally removed. As a result, the electrostatic force between A and B, which was originally F, becomes:

A. F/2 B. F/4 C. 3F/8 D. F/16 E. 0
 
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  • #2
You are required to post your work toward a solution. What do you think the answer is and why?
 
  • #3
The answer is C). However, I really don't know how to work it out.
 
  • #4
What happens when you touch an isolated neutral object to an isolated charged object? How does the charge divide up and re-distribute?
 

1. How does changing the charge on two spheres affect the electric field between them?

Changing the charge on two spheres will affect the electric field between them. As the charge on one or both of the spheres is increased or decreased, the strength of the electric field will also change. This is because the electric field is directly proportional to the charge, so an increase in charge will result in a stronger electric field and a decrease in charge will result in a weaker electric field.

2. What is the formula for calculating the electric field between two spheres?

The formula for calculating the electric field between two spheres is E = kQ/r^2, where E is the electric field strength, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge on the sphere, and r is the distance between the two spheres. This formula applies to point charges, which can be used as an approximation for spheres with a small radius compared to the distance between them.

3. How does the distance between the two spheres affect the electric field?

The distance between the two spheres plays a crucial role in determining the strength of the electric field. As the distance between the spheres decreases, the electric field strength increases. This is because the electric field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, so a smaller distance will result in a stronger electric field. Conversely, a larger distance will result in a weaker electric field.

4. Can the charge on one sphere be changed without affecting the electric field between the two spheres?

No, the charge on one sphere cannot be changed without affecting the electric field between the two spheres. As mentioned earlier, the electric field is directly proportional to the charge, so any change in the charge on one sphere will result in a change in the strength of the electric field between the two spheres.

5. How can the electric field between two spheres be manipulated?

The electric field between two spheres can be manipulated by changing the charge on one or both of the spheres or by changing the distance between them. Additionally, introducing another charged object near the spheres can also alter the electric field. Using conductive materials or insulators can also affect the electric field between the two spheres.

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