Speed of two charged, insulated spheres?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the final velocities of two charged, insulated spheres as they collide, utilizing conservation of energy and momentum principles. The spheres have different masses and charges, leading to a varying electrostatic force as they approach each other. Initial attempts to find acceleration and velocity using kinematics were deemed incorrect due to the non-constant nature of acceleration caused by the changing force. Participants emphasize the importance of applying conservation laws rather than relying solely on kinematic equations. The conversation highlights the need for a correct approach to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



Two insulating spheres have radii 0.300 cm and 0.500 cm, masses 0.450 kg and 0.700 kg, and uniformly distributed charges of -2.00 µC and 3.00 µC. They are released from rest when their centers are separated by 1.00 m.
(a) How fast will each be moving when they collide? (Hint: Consider conservation of energy and of linear momentum.)

Homework Equations


F = keq1q2/r2
v = at + v0
Δs = v0t + .5at2


The Attempt at a Solution



I found the electrostatic force on the objects. Since they have opposite charges, I know that they move towards each other. I found their accelerations by dividing by their respective masses, and then plugged those into some of the kinematics equations to find the final velocity.

I can see that my methods/assumptions are wrong, I'm just not exactly sure about how to go about this problem.
 
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Acceleration isn't constant as force increases while spheres get closer
 
szynkasz said:
Acceleration isn't constant as force increases while spheres get closer

Yes, but then how do I solve it?
 
Your hint says you should use the law of conservation energy and momentum.
 
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