Two identical conducting spheres A and B carry equal charge. They are separated by a distance much larger than their diameters. A third identical conducting sphere C is uncharged. Sphere C is first touched to A, then to B, and finally removed. As a result, the electrostatic force between A and B, which was originally 3.0 N, becomes:
Answer (2)
Upon contact, identical conducting spheres equally distribute their total charge. With initial charges of −5 nC and −3 nC, each sphere ends up with −4 nC after separation. ;
When sphere C touches sphere A, it takes half of A's charge, leaving A with Q/2. After touching sphere B, C redistributes the charge again, leaving B with a higher portion of the charge. The electrostatic force between A and B decreases as a result, but specific values depend on the initial charge Q and distance.
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