Finding number of charges using Coulomb's Law

In summary, the problem involves two charged spheres, A and B, where A is primarily positively charged and B is primarily negatively charged. After the spheres are in contact, negative charge from B is transferred to A to balance the charges, resulting in repulsion between the two spheres. The equations provided involve the net charges on the spheres before and after contact, and the task is to find the final net charge on the spheres and understand when induction applies.
  • #1
Dr. Who
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Homework Statement


Please refer to the image; problem-1. My theory is that there are two spheres 'A' and 'B', where 'A' is (partially and primarily) positively charged, and 'B' is (partially and primarily) negatively charged. The magnitude of negative charge is greater than the positive charge. After the spheres are in contact, negative charge from 'B', equal to the magnitude of positive charge on 'A', is transferred to sphere 'A' to balance it. The negative charge on sphere 'A' (due to induction) and leftover negative charge on 'B' are now responsible for repulsion between 'A' and 'B'. I think there is one more equation required concerning the composition of charges in the system, before and after the electrical contact. Please help!

Homework Equations


F = k[QA][-QB] / r2 → ①

where, (assuming )
QA is the initially excess positive charge on sphere 'A'
QB is the initially excess negative charge on sphere 'B'

F' = k[-Q`A][-QB + QA] / r2 →②

Where,
-Q`A is the net negative charge on sphere 'A'
[-QB + QA] is the net negative charge left on sphere 'B' after a negative charge equal to magnitude of QA is transferred to sphere 'A'.

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Solving equation ① using given values;
3.003 x 10-12 = [QA][-QB]

Solving equation ②;
1.001 x 10-12 = [-Q`A][-QB + QA]
 

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  • #2
Your problem statement is incomplete: you left out what you are supposed to find. I guess it must be in the attachment where almost nobody will read it.

But let's just do some quick translation:
A and B are charged spheres - the language suggests that the spheres are conducting, both positive and negative charges are present on both spheres, and net charges are given as below. (There is no such thing as "partially charged" ...an object is either charged or it is not.)
A has charge q and B has charge -Q so that Q,q > 0, and Q>q

When in contact, charge is free to flow between the spheres.
Charge flows in both directions.

Using the above notation:
Net charge on A+B (touching each other) is going to end up as ... what?
If the spheres are otherwise equal, then we'd expect the charge on each sphere to be ... what?

When does induction normally apply?
 

1. How do you calculate the number of charges using Coulomb's Law?

To calculate the number of charges using Coulomb's Law, you will need to know the magnitude of the charges involved, the distance between the charges, and the value of the Coulomb constant (k). The formula for finding the number of charges is Q = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2, where Q is the total number of charges, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges, and r is the distance between them.

2. Can Coulomb's Law be used to find the number of charges in a non-uniform electric field?

No, Coulomb's Law can only be used to find the number of charges in a uniform electric field. This is because the formula assumes that the charges are evenly distributed and the electric field is constant.

3. What units are used for the values in Coulomb's Law?

The values used in Coulomb's Law are typically measured in Coulombs (C) for charge, meters (m) for distance, and Newtons (N) for force. The Coulomb constant (k) has a value of 8.99 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2.

4. Is Coulomb's Law applicable for both positive and negative charges?

Yes, Coulomb's Law applies to both positive and negative charges. The only difference is that the force between two charges will be attractive if the charges have opposite signs, and repulsive if they have the same sign.

5. How accurate is Coulomb's Law in determining the number of charges?

Coulomb's Law is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism and is highly accurate in determining the number of charges. However, it assumes ideal conditions and does not take into account factors such as the size and shape of the charges or any surrounding materials that may affect the electric field. Therefore, the calculated number of charges may not be exact in real-world situations.

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