Two large conduction spheres carrying charges `Q_(1)` and `Q_(2)` are brought close to each other. Is the magnitude of the force between them exactly given by `Q_(1)Q_(2)//4piepsilon_(0)r^(2)`. Where r is the distance between their centers.

Explanation

As the spheres are brought close to each other, the charge on one will affect the other and as such the distribution of charge is no longer uniform (i.e. the charges are not concentrated at the centers of the spheres). Hence, the electrostatic force between them is not given exactlu by `Q_(1)Q_(2)//4piepsilon_(0)r^(2)`, the relation is true only for point charges. In other words, coulomb's law is applicable only to point charges.