Solving Charge Separation Homework

In summary, the conversation discusses the transfer of charges between six objects, with the first five objects having the same charge Q and the last one being uncharged. After the first object touches the last one, the last object obtains x units of charge. The question then asks for the total charge the last object will have after the rest of the four objects also touch it. The solution involves using the equation Q = 2x and determining the values of x for each object that touches the last one. Ultimately, the total charge of the last object will be x multiplied by the sum of 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16. There is uncertainty about the correctness of this
  • #1
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Homework Statement


There are six object. First five are the same and carrying charge Q, the last one is uncharged. Let the first object touch with the second one, the uncharged one obtain x unit of charge. What 's the total charge will the last object get if we let the rest four objects contact with the it?

2. The attempt at a solution
The first object contact with the last one, which obtains x unit of charge, that means

Q - x = x

Namely, Q = 2x

After they touch, the objects are in same potential so

[tex]
\frac{Q-x}{R_1} = \frac{x}{R_2}
[/tex]

Since Q=2x, can we conclude that [tex]R_1 = R_2[/tex]? If so, now when the second Q-charged object touch the last object (which already charged x unit of charge now), we have

[tex]
Q-x_1 = x+x_1 \qquad \textnormal{or} \qquad x_1 = \frac{x}{2}
[/tex]

Similarly, when the third, fourth, and fifth Q-charged object touch the last object separately, we have

[tex]
Q-x_2 = (x+x_1) + x_2 \qquad \textnormal{or} \qquad x_2 = \frac{x}{4}
[/tex]

[tex]
Q-x_3 = (x+x_1+x_2) + x_3 \qquad \textnormal{or} \qquad x_3 = \frac{x}{8}
[/tex]

[tex]
Q-x_4 = (x+x_1+x_2+x_3) + x_4 \qquad \textnormal{or} \qquad x_4 = \frac{x}{16}
[/tex]

So finally, the total charge the last object obtains will be

[tex]
x + x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4 = x \left(1 + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{8} + \frac{1}{16}\right)
[/tex]

Is my solution correct?
 
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  • #2
I asked somebody ealse and he e just said my calculation is wrong. I re-consider the problem and still don't know how to do it. Could anyone please help again?
 

Related to Solving Charge Separation Homework

1. How do I calculate the magnitude of charge separation?

To calculate the magnitude of charge separation, you need to know the charges and distances between the charges. The formula for magnitude of charge separation is Qd, where Q is the charge and d is the distance between the charges. Make sure to use the appropriate units for charge and distance, such as Coulombs and meters.

2. What is the difference between charge separation and charge redistribution?

Charge separation refers to the physical separation of positive and negative charges, while charge redistribution refers to the movement of charges within a system. Charge separation can lead to charge redistribution, but they are not the same concept.

3. How does the medium affect charge separation?

The medium, or the material in which the charges are located, can affect charge separation in a few ways. It can determine the strength of the electric field, which affects the magnitude of charge separation. It can also determine how easily charges can move, which can affect charge redistribution.

4. Can charge separation be reversed?

Yes, charge separation can be reversed. This can happen through a process called discharge, where the separated charges return to their original state and the electric field is neutralized. This can occur naturally through processes such as lightning, or can be artificially induced.

5. What are some applications of charge separation?

Charge separation has many practical applications, including in batteries, capacitors, and solar cells. It is also important in atmospheric phenomena such as lightning and the formation of thunderstorms. Additionally, charge separation is crucial in the functioning of electronic devices and circuits.

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