Electric Potential two metal balls find final velocities

In summary, the problem involves two metal balls with masses of 2 g and 6 g, and charges of 2 nC and 7 nC, respectively. They are held in place by a force and separated by 8 mm. After the force is removed and they are separated by a large distance, the problem is to determine their velocities. The solution involves using the initial potential energy of the system and conservation of energy and momentum. The key is to recognize the behavior of the charges when they are separated by a large distance.
  • #1
Cisneros778
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0

Homework Statement


Two metal balls of mass m1 = 2 g (diameter = 2 mm) and m2 = 6 g (diameter = 6 mm) have positive charges of q1 = 2 nC and q2 = 7 nC, respectively.

A force holds them in place so that their centers are separated by 8 mm. What will their velocities be after the force is removed and they are separated by a large distance? (Enter the magnitudes of the velocities.)
v1 =
v2 =

2. The attempt at a solution
intiial potential energy of the system E= kq1q2/d
d = .008 m
k = 9 x 10^9
.5m1v1^2 + .5m2v2^2 = E
as there are no external force on the total system momentum is conserved?
m1v1 = m2v2
 
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  • #2
Yes. The momentum of the system is conserved.
Conservation of energy + conservation of momentum will solve the problem.
The key is to recognize what happens when the two charges are separated by a large distance ie. distance d between them tends towards infinity.
 

Related to Electric Potential two metal balls find final velocities

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. It is also referred to as voltage and is measured in volts (V).

2. How is electric potential calculated?

Electric potential is calculated by dividing the electric potential energy by the charge at a specific point. The formula for electric potential is V = U/Q, where V is electric potential, U is electric potential energy, and Q is charge.

3. Why are two metal balls used in experiments to find final velocities?

In experiments involving electric potential, two metal balls are often used because they provide a simple way to demonstrate the transfer of electric potential energy from one object to another. The electric potential energy can be calculated by measuring the difference in potential between the two balls before and after the transfer.

4. How do you find the final velocities of the two metal balls?

The final velocities of the two metal balls can be found by using the conservation of energy principle, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. This means that the initial potential energy of one ball will be equal to the final kinetic energy of both balls.

5. What factors affect the final velocities of the two metal balls?

The final velocities of the two metal balls can be affected by several factors, such as the difference in electric potential between the two balls, the masses of the balls, and the distance between them. Other factors that may affect the experiment include the presence of external forces and the accuracy of the equipment used.

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