PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism · Conductors and Capacitors · Conductors and Capacitors
Problem
Two isolated conducting spheres, sphere 1 of radius 2.0cm and sphere 2 of radius 6.0cm, are connected by a thin conducting wire long enough that the spheres may be placed a great distance apart after the wire is removed. A total charge of +12nC is delivered to sphere 1. After electrostatic equilibrium is reached, the wire is disconnected and the centers of the spheres are positioned 0.50m apart.
(a) Calculate the charge residing on each sphere immediately after the wire is disconnected.
(b) Determine the magnitude of the electric force that each sphere exerts on the other once they are 0.50m apart.
(c) Verify that electric charge is conserved during the entire process.