Chapter 2: Problem 8
A crude device for measuring charge consists of two small insulating spheres of radius \(a\), one of which is fixed in position. The other is movable along the \(x\) axis and is subject to a restraining force \(k x\), where \(k\) is a spring constant. The uncharged spheres are centered at \(x=0\) and \(x=d\), the latter fixed. If the spheres are given equal and opposite charges of \(Q / C\), obtain the expression by which \(Q\) may be found as a function of \(x\). Determine the maximum charge that can be measured in terms of \(\epsilon_{0}, k\), and \(d\), and state the separation of the spheres then. What happens if a larger charge is applied?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.