Electrostatic induction (can someone check my answer?)

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
leena19
Messages
184
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Three identical metal spheres are supported on three insulating stands.A charge q is given on the first sphere .The first sphere is then momentarily touched with the second sphere and then the second sphere is momentarily touched with the third.
Finally the third sphere is momentarily touched with the first again.
The final amounts of charge residing on the first,second and the third spheres respectively are...?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I think in the first case,
when the 1st sphere touches the 2nd,a charge of q/2 passes on to sphere 2 and a charge of q/2 remains on sphere 1
Then when sphere 2 touches sphere 3,a charge of q/4 moves to sphere3 and q/4 remains on sphere 1,
And when,sphere 3 touches sphere 1 again,the total charge is now q/2 + q/8 i.e 3q/4,
so sphere 1 and sphere 3 now have a charge of 3q/8 each ?

Thanks in advance !
 
Physics news on Phys.org