Question

Two identical metallic spheres are charged with +10 μC and -20 μC. If they are kept in contact and are again placed at the same distances. What would be the ratio of the electrostatic forces in both the conditions?

Answer 1

Given, q₁ = 10 μC, q₂ = -20C
Initially force between two spheres
F = \(\frac{1}{4 \pi \varepsilon_{0}} \frac{(10)(20)}{r^{2}} \times 10^{-12}\)   …… (i)
Two opposite charge indicate the force of attraction
When both spheres are touched, then there is redistribution of charge, so each sphere will contain charge \(\left(\frac{q_{1}+q_{2}}{2}\right)\)