Chapter 21, Problem 11Q

Figure 21-20 shows three identical conducting bubbles A, B, and C floating in a conducting container that is grounded by a wire. The bubbles initially have the same charge. Bubble A bumps into the container’s ceiling and then into bubble B. Then bubble B bumps into bubble C, which then drifts to the container’s floor. When bubble C reaches the floor, a charge of −3e is transferred upward through the wire, from the ground to the container, as indicated. (a) What was the initial charge of each bubble? When (b) bubble A and (c) bubble B reach the floor, what is the charge transfer through the wire? (d) During this whole process. what is the total charge transfer through the wire?

Figure 21-20 Question 11.