Solving an Electrostatics Problem with Two 5g Spheres

In summary, the conversation discusses a physics problem involving two charged spheres hanging from strings. The goal is to find the angle produced due to the repulsive force between the spheres, but the lack of information about the separation of the charges is making it challenging. The conversation concludes with a request for advice rather than a direct solution.
  • #1
antiflag403
45
0
Hey everyone,
I'm not sure if this question warrants the "advanced physics" forums, but it would be nice if some of you smart people could give me a hand with this problem.
Two 5g spheres are charged to +100nC and hung from 1m long strings. What is the angle produced due to the repusive force.
So... I drew a free body diagram of the situation and realize that the net force is going to be 0N. So the x and y components have to be 0N as well. Finding the tension in the y direction is easy because it is equal (in magnitude) to the gravitational force on the sphere. The x is proving a bit more challenging. I know that the tension in the x is going to be equal (in magnitude) to the electric force due to repulsion. My problem is that I don't know what the separation of the charges is, and can't figure a way to cancel it out of the problem.
I would really appreciate some advice, rather than someone just solving it for me.
Thanks alot!
 
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  • #2
Assume that both balls are suspended from the same point. So if the semivertical angle is [itex]\theta[/itex], the separation will be [itex]sin \theta[/itex].
 

FAQ: Solving an Electrostatics Problem with Two 5g Spheres

1. How do I determine the electrostatic force between two 5g spheres?

To determine the electrostatic force between two 5g spheres, you will need to use Coulomb's Law. This law states that the force between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. In this case, the charges of the spheres can be calculated using the equation Q=mv, where Q is the charge, m is the mass, and v is the velocity. Once you have calculated the charges, you can plug them into Coulomb's Law to find the electrostatic force.

2. How do I handle the fact that the spheres have the same charge?

If the spheres have the same charge, you will need to use the equation for the force between two like charges, which is F = k(q1q2)/r^2, where k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the spheres, and r is the distance between them. This equation takes into account the repulsive force between two like charges.

3. Can I assume the spheres are point charges?

Yes, for the purposes of this problem, you can assume that the spheres are point charges. This means that their size and shape do not affect their electrostatic force, and you can treat them as if all of their charge is concentrated at a single point.

4. How do I handle the fact that the spheres are in motion?

If the spheres are in motion, you will need to take into account their velocities when calculating their charges. You can use the equation Q=mv, where m is the mass and v is the velocity, to find the charges of the spheres. Once you have the charges, you can use Coulomb's Law to calculate the electrostatic force between them.

5. What are some common mistakes when solving electrostatics problems with two spheres?

Some common mistakes when solving electrostatics problems with two spheres include forgetting to use the correct equation for like charges, not taking into account the velocities of the spheres, and not properly converting between units (e.g. using grams instead of kilograms for mass). It is also important to make sure that the distance between the spheres is in meters, as Coulomb's Law requires distance to be in meters.

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