Distribution of charge on two spheres

[Vibhor]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I believe the entire charge Q has to be given to any of the sphere such that one charge is neutral ,while the other has charge Q . In this way there would be no electric force between the two spheres and only attractive force between them would be gravitational .

Is my answer as well as my reasoning correct ?

Many Thanks

 

[mfb]

You would still get an induced charge distribution on the uncharged sphere, which leads to a small attraction (but still much larger than the gravitational attraction for typical setups).

The question is weird. It would be a nice question if it would ask for maximal repulsion.

 

[Vibhor]

I think we have been given condition (d > > R) so that we could neglect the effect of induced charges . I am not entirely sure .

Do you believe that there is a possibility that force of attraction could be greater if charges were distributed differently i.e by not giving complete charge to one of the spheres ?

 

[mfb]

I don't see how. You can cheat and add +2 Q on one sphere and -1 Q on the other (sum: Q), but I doubt that's the intended solution. It also would mean there is no well-defined maximum.