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Two spheres carrying charge q each hang from the same point of suspension by threads of length 1 m, in a space free from gravity. The distance between them will be

Asked in RS Academy GUJCET booklet · Equilibrium and small oscillations

Answer: (3) 2 m

Step-by-step solution

Given: thread length L=1 m; like charges q on both spheres; no gravity.

Idea: with no weight, each sphere feels only the repulsion from the other sphere and the tension in its own thread.

These two forces can balance only if they lie along one line, so each thread must point along the line joining the spheres.

The threads therefore stretch out in one straight line on opposite sides of the support.

Distance =2L=2×1=2 m, whatever the size of q.

Why the other options are wrong

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