A lightweight non-conducting rod holds three small conducting beads labeled 1, 2
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
A lightweight non-conducting rod holds three small conducting beads labeled 1, 2, and 3 that slide freely along the rod but do not leave it. Initially the beads are well separated. Bead 1 carries a charge of +6.0μC, bead 2 carries −2.0μC, and bead 3 is neutral.
The following sequence occurs:
• Bead 1 is briefly touched to bead 3 and then returned to its original position.
• Bead 3 is next touched to bead 2 and then returned to its original position.
Assume no other interactions with the surroundings.
(a) Determine the charge on each bead immediately after the first contact between beads 1 and 3.
(b) Determine the charge on each bead immediately after the second contact between beads 3 and 2.
(c) Calculate the net charge that was transferred to or from the three-bead system as a whole during the complete sequence, and state whether charge entered or left the system.