psilovethomas said:Homework Statement
A tiny sphere with a charge of q = +8.8 µC is attached to a spring. Two other tiny charged spheres, each with a charge of −4.0-µC, are placed in the positions shown in the figure, in which b = 4.1 cm. The spring stretches 5.0 cm from its previous equilibrium position toward the two spheres. Calculate the spring constant.
Here is the figure:
http://www.webassign.net/grr/p16-16alt.gif
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
µΔx=k(Qq)/r
Hooke's Law is a principle in physics that states the force required to extend or compress a spring by some distance is proportional to that distance.
The formula for Hooke's Law is F = -kx, where F is the force applied to the spring, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from its equilibrium position.
In the context of Hooke's Law, charged spheres can be used as the "spring" in the formula. The force between two charged spheres can be described by the same formula, with the addition of the Coulomb's Law constant.
The spring constant in this case can be calculated by rearranging the formula to solve for k: k = -F/x. The force and displacement values can be obtained from experimental data or from known values of charge and distance between the charged spheres.
This calculation can be useful in studying the behavior of electrically charged objects and in designing systems that use charged spheres as springs, such as in electrostatic levitation or precision positioning devices.