Moderate

A sphere of charge +Q is fixed in a position. A smaller sphere of charge +q is placed near the larger sphere and released from rest. The small sphere will move away from the large sphere with:

Correct answer: C. Increasing velocity and decreasing acceleration

  • A. Decreasing velocity and increasing acceleration
  • B. Decreasing velocity and constant acceleration
  • C. Increasing velocity and decreasing acceleration
  • D. Increasing velocity and increasing acceleration

Explanation

When the smaller charge is placed, it undergoes repulsion as 'like' charges repel. Since it was at zero velocity, the velocity increases. But as the charge moves further away, the force of repulsion decreases, and according to the formula, F= kQq/r2, acceleration decreases.

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Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.

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