Finding Tensions of Fixed Point Charges

In summary, fixed point charges are electric charges that do not move and are represented by the symbol q. Their tensions can be found using Coulomb's law and understanding them is important in various areas of physics. The tension is affected by the positions of the charges and can be zero at a neutral point where the forces cancel out.
  • #1
adkinje
11
0
A fixed point charge of +2q is connected by strings to point charges of +q and +4q (see attached diagram), Find the tensions [tex]T_1[/tex] and [tex]T_2[/tex].

For [tex]T_2[/tex], I start summing the forces on the +4q point charge.

[tex]F_{net,4q}=F_{q}+F_{2q}+T_2[/tex]

[tex]0=F_{q}+F_{2q}+T_{2}[/tex]

[tex]T_2=-(F_{q}+F_{2q})[/tex]

Is this the correct vector equation?
 

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  • #2
That's the right idea. (But I would use T1 and T2 to represent the magnitude of the tension forces.)
 
  • #3


Yes, this is the correct vector equation for finding the tension T_2. By summing the forces on the +4q point charge and setting it equal to 0 (since the charge is in equilibrium), you can solve for the tension T_2. The negative sign in front of the sum of forces indicates that the tension is acting in the opposite direction of the net force on the +4q charge. It is important to consider all the forces acting on the charge, including the forces from the +q and +2q charges, to accurately determine the tension.
 

1. What are fixed point charges?

Fixed point charges are electric charges that are held in a stationary position, meaning they do not move or change position. They can be positive or negative and are usually represented by the symbol q.

2. How do you find the tensions of fixed point charges?

The tension of a fixed point charge can be found using Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The formula for this is F = k(q1q2)/r2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges, and r is the distance between them.

3. What is the significance of finding the tensions of fixed point charges?

Understanding the tensions of fixed point charges is important in many areas of physics, such as electromagnetism and circuit analysis. It allows us to calculate the forces between charges and predict their behavior in various situations.

4. How do the positions of fixed point charges affect their tensions?

The tension between fixed point charges is directly affected by their positions. As the distance between the charges increases, the tension decreases and vice versa. This is because the force between charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

5. Can the tension of a fixed point charge ever be zero?

Yes, the tension between two fixed point charges can be zero if they have the same magnitude but opposite signs and are positioned at the same location. This is known as a neutral point, where the forces between the charges cancel out and there is no tension.

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