Chapter 20.2, Problem 22SSC

To determine

To Compare: The force on sphere A due to sphere B with the force on B because of A.

Answer to Problem 22SSC

Equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Charge on sphere A: $q_A=+3\times {10}^{-6}\text{C}$

Charge on sphere B: $q_B=9\times {10}^{-6}\text{C}$

Distance between the spheres is r .

Formula Used:

Electrostatic force between two charges can be obtained by:

$F=k\frac{q_1{q}_2}{d^2}$

Here, k is the Coulomb’s constant, $q_1$ and $q_2$ are two charges and dis the distance between them.

Calculation:

The electrostatic force between two charged spheres A and B depends on the charge on both the spheres and distance between them. Thus, the electrostatic force due to one another would be equal in magnitude. The direction would be opposite as the two charges are of similar nature and hence, the force would be repulsive in nature.

Conclusion:

Thus, the force on the charged spheres due to each other would be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.