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alfredo24pr
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Homework Statement
There are 4 identical metal balls: J, K, L, M. Initially, J has charge QJi = 0e, L has charge QLi = +42e, and M has charge QMi = -48e. The ball J touches the ball K, and they separate. Then, the ball J touches the ball L, and they separate. Then, the ball J touches the ball M, and they separate. The final charge on the ball J is QJf = -6e. What was the initial charge on ball K ? QKi = ? (You must put a + or - sign on your answer, unless you get zero; for example +5e if positive, -10e if negative, 0e if zero.)
Homework Equations
When two conductors touch, they become effectively one single conductor with a net charge equal to the sum of the net charges of the two individual conductors. If two conductors with identical geometry are touching, and then they separate, each conductor takes one-half of the net charge that was on the pair.
The Attempt at a Solution
K=x, so I begin
(x+0)/2 = J after hitting K and then separating
[(x/2)+42]/2 = x+84= J after hitting L and the separating
[x+84+(-48)]/2 = (x+36)/2
The final charge is -6e, so
(x+36)/2=-6
x+36=-12
x=-48e