What Is the Final Charge on Sphere C?

In summary, three identical metal spheres, A, B, and C, with charges of +5q, -q, and no net charge respectively, undergo a series of touch and separate actions. After being touched to spheres A and B, sphere C ends up with a charge of -3q. Before being touched, the total charge on the three spheres is +4q, and after being touched, the total charge is +q. The concept of charge equalization was used to understand the transfer of charge between the spheres.
  • #1
Nivlac2425
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Homework Statement


Consider three identical metal spheres, A, B, and C. Sphere A carries a charge of +5q. Sphere B carries a charge of -q. Sphere C carries no net charge. Spheres A and B are touched together and then separated. Sphere C is then touched to Sphere A and then separated from it. Lastly, Sphere C is touched to sphere B and then separated from it. (a) How much charge ends up on sphere C? What is the total charge on the three spheres (b) before they are allowed to touched each other and (c) after they have touched.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I understand most concepts related to this but my teacher hasn't really explained everything about charge transfer to us yet. I just don't know how the charge cleanly transfers.

Thanks for any effort! =D
 
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  • #2
Just approach the problem with the idea that when they contact, the charges equalize on the 2 spheres, ie if a -8q sphere touches a -4q then they should both end up at -6q, if they were identical spheres as the charge densities of the -8 and -4 would be identical and spread out between the two equal spheres.
 
  • #3
Ahhh... that's what I did at first, but I just had to go wrong somewhere... Thanks for leading me back to that!
 

FAQ: What Is the Final Charge on Sphere C?

1. What is electric charge?

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes objects to experience electromagnetic interactions. It is measured in units of Coulombs (C).

2. What are the two types of electric charge?

The two types of electric charge are positive and negative. Objects with the same type of charge repel each other, while objects with opposite types of charge attract each other.

3. How is electric charge distributed in an object?

Electric charge is distributed evenly throughout an object's surface. However, it can also be concentrated in specific areas, such as the tips of a pointed object.

4. How is electric charge transferred from one object to another?

Electric charge can be transferred from one object to another through various methods, such as friction, conduction, and induction. For example, when you rub a balloon on your hair, electrons are transferred from your hair to the balloon, giving it a negative charge.

5. What is the relationship between electric charge and electric force?

Electric force is the attraction or repulsion between two charged objects. The strength of the electric force is directly proportional to the amount of electric charge on each object and inversely proportional to the distance between them. This relationship is described by the Coulomb's Law equation.

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