Chapter 32, Problem 49A

Two identical metal spheres are brought together into contact. Originally one had a charge of $+40\mu C$ and the other a charge of $-10\mu C$. What is the charge on each after contact?

To determine

The charge on each sphere after contact.

Answer to Problem 49A

The charge on each sphere is 15 micro coulombs.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The charge on one sphere is 40 micro coulomb and the charge on another sphere is -10 micro coulombs.

Calculation:

The charges on the sphere will redistribute itself. First of all, 10 micro coulombs charge will flow to the sphere having negative charge to compensate the charge. Now, 30 micro coulombs charge will be distributed equally on both the spheres. Therefore, 15 micro coulombs charge will be distributed on both the spheres.

Conclusion:

The charge on each sphere is 15 micro coulombs.