Question

Two identical conducting spheres are charged with a net charge of +5.0 q on the first sphere and a net charge of −8.0 q on the second sphere. The spheres are brought together, allowed to touch, and then separated. What is the net charge on each sphere now?

Answer 1

Answer:

The net charge on each sphere is -1.5 q

Explanation:

Conductors are materials that allow the electrons which are the carriers of the charges to move between them, and when two conductors come in contact, the available charge is shared by the two conductors and the resultant like charges will spread on the surface of the conductor due to the repellent effect between similar charges such that if the conductors are identical, the resultant charge becomes evenly shared by the conductors when they become separated again

The given parameters of the conducting spheres meant to touch are;

The net charge on the first sphere, Q₁ = +5.0 q

The net charge on the second sphere, Q₂ = -8.0 q

The net charge on each sphere after touching and then separated, 'Q', is given as follows;

$Q = \dfrac{Q_1 + Q_2}{2}$

Therefore, by substituting the known values of the variables, we have;

$Q = \dfrac{5 \ q+ (-8 \ q)}{2} = -\dfrac{3 \ q}{2} = -1.5 \ q$

The net charge on each sphere, Q = -1.5 q.