Two identical small metal spheres are separated by 1.00 × 105 m and exert an 18.9-n repulsive force on each other. a wire is connected between the spheres and then removed. the spheres now repel each other, exerting a 22.5-n force. assume both charges are positive.

1. determine the total charge of this system.
q = (units)

2. determine the charges of the spheres before the connection.
q1, q2 = c

(a). The total charge of this system is 10 C.

(b). The charges of the spheres before the connection is 5 C and 4.2 C.

Explanation:

Given that,

Distance

Force = 22.5 N

The two spheres are connected for a moment by a wire. After this, charge is re-distributed equally, and each sphere now has a charge

We need to calculate the charge

Using formula of electric force

Here, charge is equal

Put the value into the formula

(a). We need to calculate the total charge of this system

We have the charge of each sphere after re-distribution.

We know that the charge is distributed equally.

Therefore, the total charge of the system is

(b). We need to calculate the charge of the spheres before the connection

Using formula of electric force

Put the value into the formula

Hence, (a). The total charge of this system is 10 C.

(b). The charges of the spheres before the connection is 5 C and 4.2 C.

what is the actual question though?