AP Physics C E&M 10.2 Redistribution of Charge

Practise charge redistribution between conductors by enforcing equal potential, conserving total charge, and predicting surface charge or force after contact.

Exam points

Set connected conductors to equal potential and conserve total charge to find each final charge.
Use conductor radii in V=kQ/R to determine charge ratios after contact or wire connection.
Explain how touching a charged plate changes charge polarity and reverses the force on a conductor.

Covered syllabus points

10.2.A—Describe the movement of charge and the resulting interactions when conductors physically contact each other

[Maximum number: 1]

Conducting spheres 1 and 2 on insulating stands have radii 2 R and R, respectively. The spheres are very far apart. Sphere 1 has an initial net charge +Q and Sphere 2 is initially neutral. The spheres are then connected by a conducting wire, as shown. The wire is then removed. Which of the following represents the value of the net charge on Sphere 1 after the wire is removed?

$\frac{1}{2} Q$

$\frac{2}{3} Q$

$\frac{3}{4} Q$

$\frac{4}{5} Q$

Figure for Question 10.2 Redistribution of Charge Between Conductors question 1 — AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism

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Covered syllabus points

10.2 Redistribution of Charge Between Conductors question 1