Asmall metal sphere of mass 3.1 g and charge 2.6 μc is fired with an initial speed of 5.6 m/s directly toward the center of a second metal sphere carrying charge 3.4 μc. this second sphere is held fixed. if the spheres are initially a large distance apart, how close do they get to each other? treat the spheres as point charges.

d = 1.636 m

Explanation:

Initially charged sphere are far apart so their potential energy is zero . Kinetic energy will be of small sphere

K E of small sphere

= 1/2 m v²

= .5 x 3.1 x 10⁻³ x ( 5.6)²

=48.608 x 10⁻³ J

If d be the distance of closest approach between them , potential energy of

Charges

= k q₁ x q₂ / d²

=

Total kinetic energy at this point will be zero.

Applying the theory of conservation of mechanical energy

Potential energy at distance d = Kinetic energy at infinity

48.608 x 10⁻³ =

d = 1.636 m

force tends to be low and long diustance masses are high