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 F, becomes:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When C is touched to A, it acquires half of A's charge. When C is then touched to B, it gives half of its charge to B. Thus, after C is removed, A has 1/4 of its original charge, B has 3/4 of its original charge, and C has 1/4 of the original charge. The electrostatic force between A and B is proportional to the product of their charges, so it becomes 3F/8.

Two Identical Conducting Spheres a and B Carry Equal Charge