- #1
Theelectricchild
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Would the magnitude of the net electric force on a charge +Q in a case where there is another charge -Q a distance x away from +Q be equal to the force on +Q by -Q in a case where there is a neutral metal rod between them? (and same distance x away from each other)
I would be inclined to say that there would be NO difference, that is, the net force would be equal in both cases, but the question seems deceptively easy--- can i confirm this, and are there special cases when this is not true?
I should note that the problem does not state how the charge is distributed on the neutral rod, that is, if the positive charges are on one side (IE left has the positive and the negative charges are on the right side--- and having an equal amount would make the rod neutral)--- I know metal is a conductor--- would that mean that the charge is distributed uniformly even in a neutral state?
I am quite new to electricity in general so please ask for clarification if something didnt make sense!
Thanks for your help!
I would be inclined to say that there would be NO difference, that is, the net force would be equal in both cases, but the question seems deceptively easy--- can i confirm this, and are there special cases when this is not true?
I should note that the problem does not state how the charge is distributed on the neutral rod, that is, if the positive charges are on one side (IE left has the positive and the negative charges are on the right side--- and having an equal amount would make the rod neutral)--- I know metal is a conductor--- would that mean that the charge is distributed uniformly even in a neutral state?
I am quite new to electricity in general so please ask for clarification if something didnt make sense!
Thanks for your help!
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