Two identical solid conducting spheres are mounted far apart so that they do not…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism · Conductors and Capacitors · Conductors and Capacitors
Problem
Two identical solid conducting spheres are mounted far apart so that they do not influence each other electrically. Sphere A has radius RA=4 cm and an initial charge of +12nC. Sphere B has radius RB=8 cm and an initial charge of −6nC. The spheres are briefly connected by a long, thin, conducting wire that is then removed, allowing the spheres to return to separate electrostatic equilibrium.
Respond to the following.
(1) Determine the final charge on each sphere after the wire is removed.
(2) Compute the surface charge density on each sphere just after the wire is removed.
(3) Calculate the magnitude of the electric field immediately outside the surface of Sphere A once equilibrium is re-established.