Force of weight of the suspended ball

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two pith balls with equal charges, one suspended and the other brought close to it, leading to a force of repulsion. The problem requires calculating the weight of the suspended ball, the force of repulsion, and the net charge on each ball, while considering the angle formed by the thread due to the repulsion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the complexities of calculating forces, particularly the weight of the suspended ball and the forces acting on it. There is an exploration of using torque and components of gravitational force in relation to the repulsive force between the balls.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on considering the gravitational force as having components and balancing it with the repulsive force. There is ongoing clarification regarding the interpretation of these forces and their relationships.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion about the calculations and the concepts involved, indicating a need for further clarification on the relationship between gravitational force and the forces due to charge. The problem setup includes specific measurements and angles that are critical to the discussion.

Biya
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i kinda need help. okay I am posting my question:
Two pith balls have a mass of 1.0g and have equal charges. One pith ball is suspended by an insulating thread. The other is attached to a static insulator and is brought close to the suspended ball so that they are 5 cm apart when repulsion occurs. After repulsion, they come to rest such that both are at the same height above ground. The suspended ball is now hanging with the thread forming a 30 degree angle with respect to its former position. Calculate the following:
1-Force of weight of the suspended ball.
2-The force of repulsion between the two.
3-The net charge on each.
I have no idea how to find out the force of repulsion and the net charge. We can find the weight my using the W=mg formula. So I'm confused with that. I need help . Thank God i found this cool forum
 
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The weight factor in the other parts isn't a simple W = mg problem. Try considering the force due to gravity as a torque and the repulsion from the other ball as a countertorque. I hope this gets you started.
 
vsage said:
The weight factor in the other parts isn't a simple W = mg problem. Try considering the force due to gravity as a torque and the repulsion from the other ball as a countertorque. I hope this gets you started.
I didn't get it do you mean gravitational force by force due to gravity?
i didnt get it :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :frown:
 
The force due to the Earth's gravity has components is what I'm referring to. These components can be broken up into components parallel and perpendicular to the line between the centers of the two balls. (namely mgcos(30) and mgsin(30)) If you set the force of gravity acting to push one ball toward the other and balance it with the repulsive force of the charge on the two balls you should find your answer. Clearer?
 
vsage said:
The force due to the Earth's gravity has components is what I'm referring to. These components can be broken up into components parallel and perpendicular to the line between the centers of the two balls. (namely mgcos(30) and mgsin(30)) If you set the force of gravity acting to push one ball toward the other and balance it with the repulsive force of the charge on the two balls you should find your answer. Clearer?

Ys yes yes yes thank u thank u thank thanku :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :smile: :smile: :smile: :biggrin:
 

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