Question

Two uniformely charged spheres (X and Y) are suspended by strings of length L from vertically adjustable supports. The spheres are in static equilibrium and at the same height, as shown below.


The angles with respect to the vertical are Q=13.4°, and T=19.2°. (Q is the angle between sphere X and the vertical. T is the angle between the sphere Y and the vertical.)

Answer 1

True or false:

The charge on X can be negative and that on Y negative.

The charge on X can be negative and that on Y positive.

The amount of charge on Y can be equal to that on X.

The mass of X can be less than that of Y.

The amount of charge on Y can be less than that on X.

I have:

True (they repel)
False (they repel)
False (due to different angles)
True (it could have greater charge)
False (it is repelled more)

Answer 2

i'm not sure but i think the second last statement can be true. hence the lesser deviation.

Answer 3

need to see picture to answer question

Answer 4

No. The amount of charge is irrelevant because the force on the two charges would be equal regardless of whether one charge was greater or not. The only important issue is the mass.

Answer 5

Jemurray3 is right. the force of repulsion on either charge has the same magnitude... no matter what each charge is. (they just have to be like charges)

so, the answers should be

True (they repel)
False (they repel)
**True (the different angles are because of different weights)
**False (lower angle for X means: it is being pulled down more by its greater weight)
**True (the repulsive force on each charge is always of equal magnitude)