Finding the Original Charge Given Force

[Stephanie Hernandez]

Homework Statement

Two small, identical conducting spheres repel each other with a force of 0.050 N when they are 0.25 m apart. After a conducting wire is connected between the spheres and then removed, they repel each other with a force of 0.060 N. What is the original charge on each sphere?

Homework Equations

F(r)= k|q₁||q₂| / r_{1 2}²

The Attempt at a Solution

So since the questions stated that the two spheres were identical, I went ahead and assumed that the two spheres had the same charge and using that along with the other information given, I solved using Coulumb's Law but I didn't even end up using the second part of the data given so I'm sure I messed up on my equation set up

 

[Orodruin]

I believe the intention is that the charges are not identical in the beginning. If they were nothing would change when you connect them.

 

[Stephanie Hernandez]

I believe the intention is that the charges are not identical in the beginning. If they were nothing would change when you connect them.

Would it be safe to assume that the distance between them stays the same even after the force with which they repel each other changes?

 

[Orodruin]

Would it be safe to assume that the distance between them stays the same even after the force with which they repel each other changes?

I would assume so, yes. There is nothing in the statement that would indicate a change in distance.