Calculate Electrostatic Force: Metal Spheres 3.00x10^-6C & 2.00x10^-6C @12.0cm

Click For Summary
A negative metal sphere with a charge of 3.00x10^-6C and a positive sphere with a charge of 2.00x10^-6C are positioned 12.0 cm apart. The electrostatic force is calculated using the formula Fe=kq1q2/r^2, resulting in an initial force of 3.75 N, but this is incorrect. When the spheres touch, charge is transferred, requiring recalculation of the final charges before applying the formula again. The correct electrostatic force after accounting for the charge transfer is 1.56x10^-1 N, indicating a repulsive force. Understanding the charge transfer is crucial for accurate calculations in electrostatics.
Aamun
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A metal sphere with a negative charge of 3.00x10^-6C is placed 12.0 cm from another similar metal sphere with a positive charge of 2.00x10^-6C. The two spheres momentarily touch, then return to their original positions. Calculate the electrostatic force acting on the two metal spheres.


Homework Equations



Fe=kq1q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Fe=(8.99x10^9)(3.00x10^-6)(2.00x10^-6)/(.12^2)
Fe=3.75 N [Repulsive]

For some reason the above formula won't work to get the answer that it says, am I doing something wrong?

Answer should be 1.56x10^-1 N [Repulsive]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
what happends when the 2 charges touch? Charge is transferred, therefore you have to find out the final charge on eache sphere before you can use the formula.
 
Oh yeah! Ok thanks I got it now!
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Point charge with very thin metal sheet along a spherical surface
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
What is the net electrostatic force of the sphere at the origin?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Electrostatics and nuclear force problem
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Electrostatic induction - rod and sphere
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How to get maximum electrostatic force?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
Electrostatics: Charging a sphere by induction
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Force on a part of a spherical shell on the other
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
What is the electrostatic force on the Y charge?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Work of external forces and electrostatic potential energy
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Electrostatic Force Concept Question
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K