Is the assumption that the charge distribution is spherical most inaccurate for small or large r's? Explain.

 

Answer:

small r's

Step-by-step explanation

When a sphere approaches a conductive plate, the charge distribution becomes asymmetric because of the electric field induced by the charges on the plate. Positive charges of the sphere will attract the negative charges of the plate and vise versa.

In this case, positive charge on the sphere will move more to the side of the sphere which is nearer to the plate. As a result, attractive forces to the plate will be stronger than in the case of the sphere charge being a point charge in the center of the sphere.