Question

Consider two charged conductors named A and B. These conductors are identical except for the charge they carry. An ebonite rod, which was charged by rubbing it with fur is brought near each sphere. Conductor A is attracted to it while conductor B is repelled by it. The rod is removed and the two conductors are brought into contact with one another and then separated. The rod is brought back near the conductors and now both are repelled by it. a) What was the sign of the charge on each conductor? b) Which conductor initially carried a greater charge? c) Which conductor carries a greater charge after contact with one another? Explain your choices.

Answer 1

The ebonite rod rubbed against fur will acquire a negative charge. As the sphere A got attracted by it hence sphere A must have a positive charge while sphere B got repelled hence it must have a negative charge.

Now when the two-sphere are brought into contact, then the total charge ( sum of charge on A and B) will get equally distributed as both are similar.Now both the spheres get repelled hence both must get a negative charge. As the final charge is negative on both hence sphere B will have a higher charge.

After contact, both the sphere carries same charge because both are identical.