Electric field problem — Changing the charge on two spheres

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an electrostatics problem involving three identical conducting spheres, where two spheres initially carry equal charge and a third sphere is uncharged. The problem explores the effects of charge redistribution when the uncharged sphere is touched to the charged spheres.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of touching a charged object to an uncharged one and how charge redistributes between the spheres. Questions arise about the resulting electrostatic force after the interactions.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about the calculations involved and seek clarification on the charge distribution process. There is a suggestion to consider how touching affects the charge on the spheres, but no consensus on the final answer has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are required to show their work toward a solution, indicating a focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than simply providing an answer. The problem context includes assumptions about the spheres being identical and the distances involved.

KingAlexander211B
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Homework Statement
Two identical conducting spheres A and B carry equal charge. They are separated by a distance much larger than their diameters. A third identical conducting sphere C is uncharged. Sphere C isfirst touched to A, then to B, and finally removed. As a result, the electrostatic force between A and B, which was originally F, becomes:

A. F/2
B. F/4
C. 3F/8
D. F/16
E. 0
Relevant Equations
F=(Ke*Q*q)/r**2
Two identical conducting spheres A and B carry equal charge. They are separated by a distance much larger than their diameters. A third identical conducting sphere C is uncharged. Sphere C isfirst touched to A, then to B, and finally removed. As a result, the electrostatic force between A and B, which was originally F, becomes:

A. F/2 B. F/4 C. 3F/8 D. F/16 E. 0
 
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You are required to post your work toward a solution. What do you think the answer is and why?
 
The answer is C). However, I really don't know how to work it out.
 
What happens when you touch an isolated neutral object to an isolated charged object? How does the charge divide up and re-distribute?
 

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