Two identical small conducting spheres, Sphere 1 and Sphere 2
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
Two identical small conducting spheres, Sphere 1 and Sphere 2, are mounted on insulating stands so they can be touched together and then separated without losing charge to the surroundings.
Initially, Sphere 1 carries a charge of +6.0nC and Sphere 2 carries a charge of −2.0nC. The spheres are brought into contact, allowed to reach equilibrium, and then separated so they are once again far apart.
(a) Determine the charge on each sphere after they are separated. State both the magnitude and sign.
(b) Calculate the net number of electrons that moved from one sphere to the other while the spheres were in contact. Specify the direction of electron movement.
(c) Explain how your answers to parts (a) and (b) are consistent with the law of conservation of electric charge.