Finding the initial and final charge of two spheres

In summary, the two identical small metal spheres with different positive and negative charges attract each other with a force of 70.2 mN. After the spheres are brought into contact and then separated again, the final charge on sphere 2 is 2.716 µC and the initial charge on sphere 1 is 5.72 µC. However, for a specific online homework, the answer for the initial charge on sphere 1 may be incorrect.
  • #1
fal01
15
0

Homework Statement




Two identical small metal spheres with q1 > 0
and |q1| > |q2| attract each other with a force
of magnitude 70.2 mN, as shown.

The spheres are then brought together until
they are touching. At this point, the spheres
are in electrical contact so that the charges
can move from one sphere to the other until
both spheres have the same final charge, q.

After the charges on the spheres have come
to equilibrium, the spheres are moved so that
they are again 1.87 m apart. Now the spheres
repel each other with a force of magnitude
18.954 mN.

Returned to original position
A.)What is the final charge on sphere 2? The Coulomb
constant is 8.98755 × 10^9N  m2/C2
.Answer in units of µC
002 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points

B.)What is the initial charge q1 on the first
sphere?
Answer in units of µ

Homework Equations


F=kq1q2/r^2
x=-b(+/-)sqrt(b^2-4ac)/2a




The Attempt at a Solution



q1 is positive, q2 is negative

F 12 = F 21 = 70.2 mN = -k(q1)(q2)/r²
k = 1/((4)(π)(ε) = 8.9876 x 10^9 m²/c²

70.2mN = -(8.9876 x 10^9)(q1)(q2)/1.87²

after the spheres touch the charge on each sphere is qf = (q1 +q2)/2
F = 18.954 x 10^-3 = (8.9876 x 10^9)(qf²)/1.87²
qf = 2.716 uC
A) 2.716 uC
q1 = -q2 + 2*qf
q1 = -q2 +5.432uC
q1(q2) = 2.73 x10^-11
-q2² + (5.43 x 10^-6)q2 +2.73 x 10^-11 = 0
q2= -+2716 x 10^-6 +/- sqrt(2.95 x 10^-11 + 4(2.73 x 10^-11))/4 = +2.716 +/- 2.944 uC
q2 is negative , so -.288 uC
q1= 5.72 uC
B).?
 
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  • #2
You have answers for q1 and q2. I plugged them in and it looks like they are right. You appear to have answered parts A and B.

??
 
  • #3
This is an online homework. It says I got A right but B is wrong. I will go back through and check my math. I just wanted to make sure the process was right.
 

Related to Finding the initial and final charge of two spheres

What is the equation for finding the initial and final charge of two spheres?

The equation for finding the initial and final charge of two spheres is Q1 + Q2 = Q1' + Q2', where Q1 and Q2 are the initial charges of the two spheres, and Q1' and Q2' are the final charges of the two spheres.

What is the principle of conservation of charge?

The principle of conservation of charge states that charge can neither be created nor destroyed, but can only be transferred from one object to another.

How do you determine the initial charges of two spheres?

The initial charges of two spheres can be determined by measuring the amount of charge on each sphere using a charge sensor or by calculating the charge based on the number of electrons present on each sphere.

What factors can affect the final charge of the spheres?

The final charge of the spheres can be affected by the relative charge of the spheres (positive or negative), the distance between the spheres, and the type of material the spheres are made of.

Can the initial and final charges of the spheres be equal?

Yes, the initial and final charges of the spheres can be equal if the two spheres have the same initial charge and are placed at equal distances from each other. This is known as a neutralization reaction, where the charges cancel each other out.

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