How Do You Calculate the Maximum Angle of Deviation in an Electric Field?

[z_sharp]

Hey all, I'm not sure where to start on this question. Any ideas would be spectacular.

A tiny conducting ball of mass 1.00 g and charge 20.0 times $$10^{-6}$$ is hung from a non-conducting, massless thread. The electric field of magnitude $$10^3N/C$$ existing in this region is uniform and horizontal. Find the maximum angle of deviation between the thread and the vertical for the equilibrium, position of the ball.

Thanks Everyone

 

[Nylex]

Think about the forces involved. What condition must be satisfied for equilibrium? Edit: diagrams usually help in problems like this, too.

 

[thepatientmental]

Hi there,

I would suggest starting by drawing a diagram to help visualize the situation. You can label the known values, such as the mass of the ball, its charge, and the magnitude of the electric field. From there, you can use the equation F = qE to find the force acting on the ball due to the electric field. Since the ball is in equilibrium, this force must be balanced by the tension in the thread. You can then use trigonometry to find the angle of deviation between the thread and the vertical. I hope this helps! Good luck with your problem.