Charged mass in electric field

In summary: So F = 0.00045 * 9.8 = 4.41E-6[/B]In summary, a ball with a mass of 0.450 g and positive charge of q=31.1 μC is suspended in a uniform electric field. When the ball hangs at an angle of θ=19.0o from the vertical, the magnitude of the electric field can be calculated using the equation F = Eq. To find F, the force in the vertical direction (calculated as mass times gravity) must first be determined, and then the force in the horizontal direction can be found using trigonometry.
  • #1
lala78
1
0

Homework Statement




a ball with a mass of 0.450 g and positive charge of q=31.1 μC is suspended on a string of negligible mass in a uniform electric field. We observe that the ball hangs at an angle of θ=19.0o from the vertical. What is the magnitude of the electric field?

Homework Equations



Force of y component=massxGravity
x component= Force of y component Tan angle

The Attempt at a Solution


converted mass to kg.
F= .00045 X 6.67E-11= 3.00015E-14
3.00015E-14 Tan 19= 1.034E-14
convert to Coulombs.
1.034E-14/3.11E-5

=3.32E-10
but answer in incorrect any suggestions what I am doing wrong?
I tried doing it without converting to kg and got the answer 3.32E-7 and that was wrong as well.
 
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  • #2
what's the direction of electric field?
 
  • #3
Zaphys said:
what's the direction of electric field?
I don't think that's relevant here.

First, draw a free body diagram. Then calculate the force in the vertical direction. Now, that you know an angle and a force vector, you can calculate the other force vector (in the horizontal direction) using trig. Then, use the equation F = Eq; You know F, and you know q, solve for E.
 
  • #4
Quincy said:
you can calculate the other force vector (in the horizontal direction) using trig.

There you've assumed that the electric field is HORIZONTAL, so you've given its direction without knowing it as data (i can guess that's what the problem posted by lala78 means but we just can't be sure until lala checks and confirms it).
 
  • #5
lala78 said:
1.
Force of y component=massxGravity
x component= Force of y component Tan angle

The Attempt at a Solution


converted mass to kg.
F= .00045 X 6.67E-11= 3.00015E-14
3.00015E-14 Tan 19= 1.034E-14
.


F= .00045 X 6.67E-11= 3.00015E-14
This step is wrong.
F = m*g, where g = 9.8 m/s^2
 

1. What is charged mass in an electric field?

Charged mass in an electric field refers to a particle or object that has both a mass and an electric charge, and is placed within an electric field. The electric field exerts a force on the charged mass, causing it to experience acceleration.

2. How does a charged mass behave in an electric field?

A charged mass in an electric field will experience a force due to the interaction between its electric charge and the electric field. The direction and magnitude of this force can be calculated using the equation F = qE, where F is the force, q is the charge of the mass, and E is the strength of the electric field.

3. Can a charged mass be at rest in an electric field?

Yes, a charged mass can be at rest in an electric field if the net force acting on it is zero. This can occur if the force of gravity on the mass is equal and opposite to the force of the electric field.

4. How does the charge of the mass affect its behavior in an electric field?

The charge of the mass plays a crucial role in its behavior in an electric field. A larger charge will experience a stronger force in the same electric field, and a positively charged mass will experience a force in the opposite direction to that of a negatively charged mass.

5. What is the relationship between charged mass and electric potential energy?

The electric potential energy of a charged mass in an electric field is determined by both its charge and its position within the field. As the position of the charged mass changes, its electric potential energy will also change. This relationship is described by the equation U = qV, where U is the potential energy, q is the charge, and V is the electric potential.

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