Point charges in an electromagnetic field

In summary, the problem involves two point charges, one positive and one negative, connected by a string and placed in a uniform electric field. The tension in the wire can be found using Coulomb's law, which calculates the force between the two charges. The force is found to be 8.1*10^-4 N, but more information is needed to determine the tension in the wire.
  • #1
nmendoza37
2
0
point charges in an electric field

Homework Statement


Problem: A +8.75 micro C point charge is glued to a frictionless table. It is tied to -6.5 micro C point charge by a 2.5 cm string (weightless and nonconducting). A uniform electric field of magnitude 1.85*10^8 N/C is directed parallel to the wire toward the positive charge. a) what is the tension in the wire? b) what would the tension be if both charges were negative?


Homework Equations


F=k(q1)(q2)/r^2

E(vector)= F(vector)/(q)



The Attempt at a Solution



using coloumbs law I attempted to find the force between the 2 particles. but from there i am pretty lost can anyone help?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Work

q1= 8.75*10^-6 C
q2=-6.5*10^-6 C
r=.025 m

so Force=(8.988*10^9) X (q1*q2)/r^2 = 8.1*10^-4 N (q1*q2) is absolute value

but where do i go from here?
 

FAQ: Point charges in an electromagnetic field

1. What are point charges in an electromagnetic field?

Point charges refer to particles or objects that have a concentrated amount of electric charge at a single point. In an electromagnetic field, these charges can interact with each other and with the field itself.

2. How do point charges affect the electromagnetic field?

Point charges can create an electric field, which is a force field that surrounds the charge and affects other charges in its vicinity. They can also create a magnetic field, which is a force field that is generated by moving charges. These fields can interact with each other and cause various electromagnetic phenomena.

3. What is the relationship between point charges and electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field. Point charges can create regions of high or low electric potential, depending on their charge and location. The magnitude and direction of the electric field can also be determined from the electric potential.

4. How do point charges behave in an electromagnetic field?

Point charges follow the principles of Coulomb's Law, which states that the force between two charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. They also experience a force when moving in a magnetic field, known as the Lorentz force.

5. What are some real-life applications of point charges in an electromagnetic field?

Point charges and electromagnetic fields have numerous practical applications, such as in electronic devices like computers and smartphones, medical technologies like MRI machines, and power generation and transmission systems. They also play a crucial role in understanding and manipulating chemical reactions and material properties.

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