Changing Charge Distribution and Coulomb's Law

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the new repulsive force between two charged spheres after altering their charges. Initially, each sphere has a charge of 10Q, resulting in a force F calculated using Coulomb's Law: F = k(10Q)(10Q)/d². After transferring 2Q from one sphere to the other, the new charges become 12Q and 8Q, leading to a new force expressed as F' = k(12Q)(8Q)/d². It is crucial to denote the new force with a different symbol to avoid confusion with the original force F.

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Homework Statement



Two small spheres of charge 10Q each separated by a distance d repel each other with a force F. In terms of F what would be the new repulsive force if 2Q were removed from one sphere and added to the other?


Homework Equations



F = kQq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



F = k(10Q)(10Q)/d^2 if 2Q were removed... F = k(12Q)(8Q)/d^2

Is that the answer? it seems too easy

Thanks for any input!
 
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You need to find what fraction of F is the new force. Just one more step to do.
 
Your answer is correct but is not "In terms of F". Tip do not use the same symbol "F" to represent two different quantities. If the original force is F than the new force could be any of f, F', F2, or even G. But it is not F. F is already taken.
 

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