Four identical metal objects each carry different charges. The charges are +1.6, +8.2, -4.8, and -9.4 ìC. These objects are brought simultaneously into contact, so that each touches the others. Then they are separated. What is the final charge on each object?
To solve this problem, we need to understand the concept of charge conservation and the principle of electric charge transfer.
When two objects come into contact, some of their charges can be transferred between them until they reach equilibrium. The charges will redistribute in a way that the total charge before and after contact remains the same.
Let's break down the steps to find the final charge on each object:
1. Add up the initial charges: +1.6 μC + 8.2 μC - 4.8 μC - 9.4 μC = -4.4 μC
2. Since the total charge is negative (-4.4 μC), we know that the overall system has an excess of electrons.
3. When the objects are brought into contact simultaneously, the charges redistribute among them equally. So, each object will gain or lose the same amount of charge.
4. Since all the objects are identical, they will share the total charge equally. Therefore, each object will have (-4.4 μC) ÷ 4 = -1.1 μC of charge.
So, the final charge on each object will be -1.1 μC.