A spherical conductor having a charge of `100 muC ` is brought near another metallic sphere (of mass 36 kg) resting on earth's surface. What minimum distance of separation should be maintained, so as to lift up the metallic sphere with uniform speed. What happens, if the separation is more or less than the calculated value. (Take g =10 `ms ^(-2 ) `) .

Explanation

According to the question, the gravitational force acting on the earth and metallic sphere system would be equivalent to the electrostatic force due to spherical conductor, in order to lift up the metallic sphere with uniform speed.
Substituting the given values, we get Distance of separation, d =0.5 m Now, if d >0.5 m, the metallic sphere would not lift and if d <0,5 m, the metallic sphere will touch the conductor for a moment and then will separate.