Two identical conducting spheres, fixed in place, attract each other with an electrostatic force of 0.108 N when their center-to-center separation is 50.0 cm. The spheres are then connected by a thin conducting wire. When the wire is removed, the spheres repel each other with an electrostatic force of 0.144 N. Of the initial charges on the spheres, with a positive net charge, what was (a) the negative charge on one of them and (b) the positive charge on the other ?

Explanation

To solve the problem, we need to find the initial charges on two identical conducting spheres that attract and then repel each other after being connected by a wire. Let's break down the solution step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the Given Information
- The initial force of attraction between the spheres is \( F_a = 0.108 \, \text{N} \).
- The center-to-center separation is \( r = 50 \, \text{cm} = 0.5 \, \text{m} \).
- After connecting the spheres with a wire, they repel each other with a force of \( F_r = 0.144 \, \text{N} \).

### Step 2: Use Coulomb's Law for Attraction
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