Question

Conceptual Questions :
Consider two identical conducting spheres whose surfaces are separated by a small distance. One sphere is
given a large net positive charge, and the other is given a small net positive charge. It is found that the force between the spheres is attractive even though they both have net charges of the same sign. Explain how this attraction is possible.

Answer 1

The sphere with large charge creates a strong field to polarize the other sphere That means it pushes the excess like charge over to the far side leaving charge of the opposite sign on the near side This patch of opposite charge is smaller in amount but located in a stronger external field, so it can fed a force of attraction that is larger than the repelling force felt by the larger charge in the weaker field on the other side