Question

We have three identical metallic spheres A, B, C. Initially sphere A is charged with charge Q, while B and C are neutral. First, sphere A is brought into contact with sphere B and then separated from it. After that, sphere A is brought into contact with sphere C and then separated from it. Finally, sphere A is brought into contact with sphere B again, and then separated from it.

Answer 1

Answer:

The final charges of each sphere are:   q_A = 3/8 Q , q_B = 3/8 Q ,               q_C = 3/4 Q

Explanation:

This problem asks for the final charge of each sphere, for this we must use that the charge is distributed evenly over a metal surface.

Let's start Sphere A makes contact with sphere B, whereby each one ends with half of the initial charge, at this point

                q_A = Q / 2

                q_B = Q / 2

Now sphere A touches sphere C, ending with half the charge

                q_A = ½ (Q / 2) = ¼ Q

                q_B = ¼ Q

Now the sphere A that has Q / 4 of the initial charge is put in contact with the sphere B that has Q / 2 of the initial charge, the total charge is the sum of the charge

                  q = Q / 4 + Q / 2 = ¾ Q

This is the charge distributed between the two spheres, sphere A is 3/8 Q and sphere B is 3/8 Q

                  q_A = 3/8 Q

                  q_B = 3/8 Q

The final charges of each sphere are:

                q_A = 3/8 Q

                q_B = 3/8 Q

                q_C = 3/4 Q