Calculate Electrostatic Force: Metal Spheres 3.00x10^-6C & 2.00x10^-6C @12.0cm

AI Thread Summary
A negative metal sphere with a charge of 3.00x10^-6C and a positive sphere with a charge of 2.00x10^-6C are positioned 12.0 cm apart. The electrostatic force is calculated using the formula Fe=kq1q2/r^2, resulting in an initial force of 3.75 N, but this is incorrect. When the spheres touch, charge is transferred, requiring recalculation of the final charges before applying the formula again. The correct electrostatic force after accounting for the charge transfer is 1.56x10^-1 N, indicating a repulsive force. Understanding the charge transfer is crucial for accurate calculations in electrostatics.
Aamun
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Homework Statement


A metal sphere with a negative charge of 3.00x10^-6C is placed 12.0 cm from another similar metal sphere with a positive charge of 2.00x10^-6C. The two spheres momentarily touch, then return to their original positions. Calculate the electrostatic force acting on the two metal spheres.


Homework Equations



Fe=kq1q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Fe=(8.99x10^9)(3.00x10^-6)(2.00x10^-6)/(.12^2)
Fe=3.75 N [Repulsive]

For some reason the above formula won't work to get the answer that it says, am I doing something wrong?

Answer should be 1.56x10^-1 N [Repulsive]
 
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what happends when the 2 charges touch? Charge is transferred, therefore you have to find out the final charge on eache sphere before you can use the formula.
 
Oh yeah! Ok thanks I got it now!
 

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