Calculating Angle and Distance of Separation for Repelling Charged Spheres

In summary, the problem involves two charged spheres each with a mass of 5g and a charge of +91nC, tied to 1.0m strings. The goal is to find the angle θ between the vertical axis and the string after the spheres repel each other. Using equations for force, distance, and angle, the distance of separation (r) can be found in order to solve for θ using the sin θ equation. The ∑Fx=0 equation can be rearranged to eliminate the unknown tension (T) in the string, leaving only θ as the remaining unknown.
  • #1
madonset@eskom
2
0
1. Homework Statement []

Two spheres each of 5g, tied to 1.0m strings, repel each other after being charged to +91nC of the two spheres . What is the angle θ they form with the vertical after repulsion

Homework Equations



(1) F = mg...m=5.0g, g= 9.8m/s^2
(2) F = Kq1q2/r^2 ...q1=q2=q=+91nC, r = distance of separation after repulsion= ?,K = electrostatic constant = 9.0 x10^9 Nm^2/C^2
(3) sin θ= opp /hyp...opp = r/2, hyp = 1.0m, θ = angle with the vertical axis = ?
(4) ∑Fx = 0
(5) ∑Fy = 0

The Attempt at a Solution


I need to find the distance of separation (r) after repulsion, so I can solve for θ using the sin θ equation (3).I did the sum of the horizontal and vertical forces, using equation (4 & 5), substituted T =mg/cosθ,(obtained from the summation of vertical forces equation) in the horizontal forces equation (4) to eliminate the unknown T (tension in the string) but I get stuck with two unknowns r and θ
 
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  • #2
If I understand the set up correctly, write (3) like r = 2 sin θ and use this in your ∑Fx=0 equation together with T = mg/cosθ to leave only θ.
 
  • #3
@CAF123...Aaah but yes of course thank you!
 

Related to Calculating Angle and Distance of Separation for Repelling Charged Spheres

1. How do hanging charged spheres work?

Hanging charged spheres work due to the principle of electrostatic force. When two charged spheres are suspended close to each other, they will repel or attract each other depending on their charges. This is because like charges repel and opposite charges attract. The force between the two spheres is given by Coulomb's law.

2. What is the purpose of hanging charged spheres in a laboratory?

Hanging charged spheres are often used in laboratories to demonstrate the principles of electrostatics and to study the behavior of electric charges. They can also be used to measure the magnitude of electric charges and to demonstrate the concept of electric fields.

3. How is the charge of a hanging charged sphere determined?

The charge of a hanging charged sphere can be determined by using a device called an electroscope. The electroscope consists of a metal rod with two thin metal leaves attached to the end. When a charged sphere is brought close to the electroscope, the leaves will either repel or attract each other depending on the charge of the sphere. By measuring the angle between the leaves, the charge of the sphere can be determined.

4. Can hanging charged spheres be used to generate electricity?

Yes, hanging charged spheres can be used to generate electricity through a process called electrostatic induction. This involves using the electric field created by the charged spheres to separate charges in a conductor, causing a flow of electrons and generating an electric current.

5. What are some real-world applications of hanging charged spheres?

Hanging charged spheres have various real-world applications, such as in electrostatic precipitators used in air pollution control, Van de Graaff generators used in particle accelerators, and electrophotography used in photocopying and laser printers. They are also used in experiments to study the behavior of electric charges and to demonstrate the principles of electrostatics.

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