Two identical metal balls carrying charges +2Q and -Q are a fixed distance apart and exert a force F on each other. They are briefly joined by a conducting wire, which is then removed. What is the new force between them?
Correct answer B. F/8
Explanation
The total charge +Q is shared equally, giving +Q/2 each. Force is proportional to the product of charges: (Q/2)² = Q²/4 versus 2Q², so the force becomes F/8.
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