Coulomb's Law: Does Charge Depend on Size?

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SUMMARY

Coulomb's Law states that the electrostatic force between two charges is given by the formula F=k(q1)(q2)/r^2. In the case of identical pith balls coming into contact, the charges q1 and q2 will equalize regardless of the size of the pith balls. The charge density may vary due to the differing radii, but the total charge transferred remains independent of size. Thus, the charges will be equal after contact, confirming that charge does not depend on the size of the pith balls.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and its formula
  • Knowledge of charge density concepts
  • Familiarity with electrostatic forces
  • Basic principles of charge transfer in conductors and insulators
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of charge density in electrostatics
  • Explore the behavior of conductors versus insulators in charge transfer
  • Learn about the applications of Coulomb's Law in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of size on electrostatic forces in different materials
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Homework Statement



Suppose you let identical pith balls come in contact to make q1=q2 would the charges be equal if the pith balls were of different size?

Homework Equations



F=k(q1)(q2)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I would think they wouldn't be, because doesn't the charge require the radii?
 
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Force requires the distance, which the radius plays into, like your equation shows.

Charge is charge, though. It just means the charge density is bigger or smaller.
 
Charge is pretty much locked in place on a pith ball (but not on a conductor).
Very little charge would be transferred between two pith balls in contact.
q1 and q2 could take on any value, independent of the radii.
 

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