Solving Basic Electricity Questions - 4q Net Charge

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in basic electricity concerning the net charge of three particles with different initial charges after they interact. The original poster presents a scenario involving particles A, B, and C, with specific charges, and questions the final charge on particle C after a series of interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the final charge on particle C after it interacts with particles A and B, leading to a discrepancy between their calculation and the book's answer. Some participants question the method used to arrive at the final charge and suggest clarifying the assumptions made regarding the initial charge states of the particles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem's wording and the implications of the initial charge states. Some guidance has been offered regarding the ambiguity in the question, indicating that a different approach may yield the correct answer.

Contextual Notes

The problem's wording has been noted as potentially misleading, leading to confusion about the sequence of interactions and the initial conditions of the charges involved.

duki
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Hey everyone,

There is a question in my book that asks if three particles touch and are then separated (A- +5q, B - -q, C - 0) what is the net charge? I know the answer is 4q, but it also states the following:

Particle C touches A and is removed. Particle C then touches B and is removed. What is the final charge on C? I got 1.333... but the answer in the back of the book says 1.5. Am I doing something wrong?
 
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If you could explain how you got 1.33... we could help find where you went wrong.
 
i did net charge 4q / 3
 
The question is a little ambiguous. You are correct if the first thing you do is touch them all together, as in your question #1. However, the book's answer is correct if you start again in question #2 with the balls having their initial (different) charge states. Do the problem again with that assumption, and you'll get the correct answer.
 
ok. It works like that. I wonder why they didn't word it correctly. It's worded to do it how I did the first time...

Anyways, thanks for your help!
 

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