Electricity/Electric Field Questions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around questions related to electricity and electric fields, specifically focusing on calculations involving forces, electric fields, and charges. Participants are examining a worksheet that includes multiple problems requiring the application of fundamental physics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify the charge involved in the first problem and seeks confirmation on their calculated answers for subsequent questions. Some participants question the charge of an alpha particle and its implications in calculations. Others suggest reviewing the calculations for accuracy, particularly regarding signs and values used in formulas.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's calculations and reasoning. Some have provided guidance on specific values and concepts, while others are exploring different interpretations of the problems. There is a collaborative effort to ensure understanding and accuracy without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the signs of charges and the implications of electric field directions. Some calculations are noted to have potential errors, and the discussion reflects a mix of confirmed and questioned assumptions.

seiferseph
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I've attached the questions from a worksheet.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/seiferseph/1.jpg

For starters, how do i do the first one? i know Fe = q*E, but what is the charge? is it just 2 x 1.6x10^16 (because there are two protons?)

for the rest, here are the answers i got, could anyone confirm any? I'm not sure about these.

2) a) Fe = 0.45 N
b) E = 4.5 x 10^9 N/C
3) E = 250 N/C
4) Q = 3.0 x 10^-6 C
5) E = 5.4 x 10^10 N/C to the right

Thanks again!
 

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1.[itex]q_{p}=e\simeq 1.6\cdot 10^{-19}C[/itex]

Please show us how u did them.Numbers are least important when solving a problem.

Daniel.
 
seiferseph said:
I've attached the questions from a worksheet.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/seiferseph/1.jpg

For starters, how do i do the first one? i know Fe = q*E, but what is the charge? is it just 2 x 1.6x10^16 (because there are two protons?)

for the rest, here are the answers i got, could anyone confirm any? I'm not sure about these.

2) a) Fe = 0.45 N
b) E = 4.5 x 10^9 N/C
3) E = 250 N/C
4) Q = 3.0 x 10^-6 C
5) E = 5.4 x 10^10 N/C to the right
1. check your value for e. The charge of an alpha particle is 2e
2. a) correct: F = kqQ/r^2
b) correct: E = F/q
3. correct: E = F/e
4. correct magnitude but check the sign.
5. incorrect. check distance value.

AM
 
Andrew, why is the charge of an alpha particle 2e? I thought an alpha particle was electron-less.
 
It is.It's +2e,because of the 2 protons inside the nucleus...

Daniel.
 
Ok. The plus sign makes it all better :)
 
ok, so

1) Fe = 2*1.6x10^-19*75
and i get 2.4 x 10^17 N

4) isn't the sign + ? if the field is directed away from it, doesn't it mean its a positive charge in Q?

5), i used the radius of 1, when it should be 1/2. using 1/2, i get
2.16 x 10^11 N/C right

thanks again for all the help!
 
seiferseph said:
ok, so

1) Fe = 2*1.6x10^-19*75
and i get 2.4 x 10^17 N
Just a small slip on the exponent: 2.4 x 10^-17 N (but a huge difference). What is Fe? Shd be: F = qE where q = 2e.
4) isn't the sign + ? if the field is directed away from it, doesn't it mean its a positive charge in Q?
A trick question. The first sentence is irrelevant and designed to confuse - it succeeded. You are right. The field direction is given by the direction of motion of a + charge, which is away from Q so Q is +.

5), i used the radius of 1, when it should be 1/2. using 1/2, i get
2.16 x 10^11 N/C
Right.

AM
 
  • #10
Andrew Mason said:
Just a small slip on the exponent: 2.4 x 10^-17 N (but a huge difference). What is Fe? Shd be: F = qE where q = 2e.
A trick question. The first sentence is irrelevant and designed to confuse - it succeeded. You are right. The field direction is given by the direction of motion of a + charge, which is away from Q so Q is +.

Right.

AM

thanks for all this help, i was able to do all the problems from today (and get them right). :biggrin:
 

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