College Physics (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073512141
ISBN 13: 978-0-07351-214-3

Chapter 16 - Problems - Page 613: 6

Answer

$q_A = \frac{3Q}{8}$ $q_B = \frac{Q}{4}$ $q_C = \frac{3Q}{8}$

Work Step by Step

Since the spheres are identical, when two spheres are brought in contact, the charges will arrange themselves so that both spheres have the same net charge. Initially: $q_A = Q$ $q_B = 0$ $q_C = 0$ After sphere A touches sphere B: $q_A = \frac{Q}{2}$ $q_B = \frac{Q}{2}$ $q_C = 0$ After sphere B touches sphere C: $q_A = \frac{Q}{2}$ $q_B = \frac{Q}{4}$ $q_C = \frac{Q}{4}$ After sphere C touches sphere A: $q_A = \frac{3Q}{8}$ $q_B = \frac{Q}{4}$ $q_C = \frac{3Q}{8}$
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