Answer:
(a) -1.79 x 10⁻⁵ N
(b) 5.49 x 10⁻⁷ N
Explanation:
given information:
r = 0.32 m
q₁ = 12 x 10⁻⁹ C
q₂ = -17 x 10⁻⁹ C
(a) Find the electrostatic force exerted on one sphere by the other. magnitude N direction
F = k q₁q₂/r²
= (9 x 10⁹) (12 x 10⁻⁹) (-17 x 10⁻⁹) / (0.32)²
= -1.79 x 10⁻⁵ N
(b) The spheres are connected by a conducting wire. Find the electrostatic force between the two after equilibrium is reached, where both spheres have the same charge. magnitude N direction
F = kQ²/r²,
where
Q = (q₁+q₂/2)
= (12+(-17)) x 10⁻⁹/2
= 2.5 x 10⁻⁹ C
thus,
F = (9 x 10⁹) (2.5 x 10⁻⁹)²/(0.32)²
= 5.49 x 10⁻⁷ N