Velocity of two insulating charged spheres at collision

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two insulating spheres with specified radii, masses, and charges that are released from rest at a certain distance apart. The primary question is to determine the velocities of the spheres at the moment of collision, focusing on the principles of conservation of energy and momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of energy and momentum, with one participant questioning how to set up the equations for energy conservation. Others suggest considering the types of energy involved and the timing of the velocities in relation to the collision.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and clarifying the concepts of energy and momentum. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of conservation principles, but no consensus has been reached on the specifics of the setup.

Contextual Notes

There is some ambiguity in the wording of the problem, particularly regarding the timing of the velocities in relation to the collision. The lack of complete information may affect the clarity of the solution approach.

intemk9
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Homework Statement




Two insulating spheres have radii 0.300 cm and 0.500 cm, masses 0.200 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?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know i need to use the conservation of energy for the potential and kinetic forces, but I cannot figure out how to appropriately set up the equation in order to do so.
 
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hi intemk9! welcome to pf! :smile:

don't forget you can also use conservation of momentum :wink:
 
Can you argue through the conservation of energy and momentum in words? What sort of energy does each sphere start out with, and what kind does it have at the end of the motion? Do you know the equations for kinetic and potential energy?
 
I think that the question is about velocity just before collision and not after collision.
The wording is a little ambiguous. If the rest of the problem were given, I suppose it will become more clear.
For part (a) conservation of energy may be enough.
 

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