Electric force charges homework

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an experiment involving two identical metal balls, one with a known charge and the other initially neutral. The scenario explores the nature of the electric force between the two balls after they have been brought into contact and then separated.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the effects of contact on charge distribution between the two balls and questioning the nature of the electric force that results from their interaction. There is a focus on whether the force is attractive, repulsive, or zero based on the charges involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the behavior of charges when the balls are in contact. Some participants express uncertainty about the nature of the force, considering both repulsion and the possibility of zero force, while others prompt further exploration of the underlying concepts.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of consensus on the interpretation of the charge interactions, and the original poster's understanding of the concepts appears to be developing. The discussion is framed within the context of homework help, emphasizing the need for conceptual understanding rather than direct answers.

danish1991
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1. A student is performing an experiment with two identical small metal balls, A and B. Initially, Ball A contains 6.0-uC net charge with unknown sign and Ball B is neutral. The student brings them in contact and then separated them by 20cm. Both of the balls are remained isolated. Is the electric force between A and B attractive, repulsive or zero?
Please help!
 
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hi danish1991! welcome to pf! :wink:

what happens to the charge when the metal balls are in contact?

tell us what you think, and why, and then we'll comment! :smile:
 
Okay, thanks for replying! Its either between repulsive or zero. It cannot be attractive since both charges aren't opposite. I know its repulsive as the correct answer but wouldn't it be zero since ball b is neutral charged and ball a is positive because for attractive both charges got to be opposite to each other, repulsive they got to be same since its positive and zero how would it be repulsive?
 
tiny-tim said:
hi danish1991! welcome to pf! :wink:

what happens to the charge when the metal balls are in contact?

tell us what you think, and why, and then we'll comment! :smile:
Okay, thanks for replying! Its either between repulsive or zero. It cannot be attractive since both charges aren't opposite. I know its repulsive as the correct answer but wouldn't it be zero since ball b is neutral charged and ball a is positive because for attractive both charges got to be opposite to each other, repulsive they got to be same since its positive and zero how would it be repulsive?
 
hi danish1991! :smile:

(just got up :zzz:)

you haven't answered my question :wink:
tiny-tim said:
what happens to the charge when the metal balls are in contact?
 

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