Three identical small conducting spheres—labeled X, Y
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
Three identical small conducting spheres—labeled X, Y, and Z—are each mounted on insulating handles and are initially widely separated. Their initial charges are
• X: +9.0×10−8C
• Y: 0 (neutral)
• Z: −3.0×10−8C
The following sequence is performed:
(a) Calculate the charge on each sphere after step 1.
(b) Determine the charge on each sphere after step 2.
(c) For each touching event (steps 1 and 2), compute the number of electrons that moved and specify their direction of transfer.
(d) After step 3, compute the magnitude and sign of the electrostatic force exerted on sphere Z by sphere X.