Two identical charged spheres suspended from a common point by two massless strings of lengths l, are initially at a distance d (d l) apart because of their mutual repulsion. The charges begin to leak from both the spheres at a constant rate. As a result, the spheres approach each other with a velocity v. Then v varies as a function of the distance x between the spheres, as
- v x-1/2
- v x-1
- v x1/2
- v x
Answer
(1) v x-1/2
Solution
In equilibrium (string at small angle with the vertical):
= Femg, and = x/2l
⇒ x2l = kq2x2 mg ⇒ q2 x3 ⇒ q x3/2
Differentiating with time: dqdt 32x1/2 dxdt
∵ dqdt = constant ⇒ x1/2v = constant
∴ v x-1/2
Answer: (1)