Moderate

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

Correct answer: D. Increasing velocity and decreasing acceleration

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

Explanation

In this scenario, the small sphere (+q) is initially at rest near a larger fixed sphere (+Q). Because both spheres are positively charged, they repel each other. Initially, the repulsive force causes the small sphere to accelerate, increasing its velocity. However, as the sphere moves further away, the force of repulsion decreases in magnitude due to Coulomb's Law (F ∝ 1/r2), which causes the acceleration to decrease. Therefore, the correct answer is that the small sphere moves away with increasing velocity and decreasing acceleration.The other options are incorrect because:Decreasing velocity and decreasing acceleration: The velocity increases due to initial acceleration.Decreasing velocity and increasing acceleration: Acceleration decreases as the distance increases.Decreasing velocity and constant acceleration: Neither velocity decreases nor acceleration remains constant.Increasing velocity and increasing acceleration: Acceleration does not increase; it decreases as the force diminishes.

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