Calculating Tension and Electric Force in an Electricity Experiment

In summary, an electrically charged plastic ball is suspended on a string and is acted upon by a horizontal electrical force vector F elec from a charged rod, causing the ball to swing out to a 21.0 degree angle. The magnitude of vector F and the tension in the string can be determined by drawing a picture and resolving the forces.
  • #1
penny0316
1
0

Homework Statement


In an electricity experiment, a 1.30 g plastic ball is suspended on a 54.0 cm long string and given an electric charge. A charged rod brought near the ball exerts a horizontal electrical force vector F elec on it, causing the ball to swing out to a 21.0 angle and remain there.

1.) What is the magnitude of vector F?
2.)What is the tension in the string?

Any help would be appreciated!

The Attempt at a Solution


I honestly have no idea how to start it. A step by step on how to solve it would be nice but any help is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Draw a picture, put the forces on and resolve.
 

What is tension in physics?

Tension is a force that is often described as a pulling force or a force that stretches or elongates an object. In physics, it is represented by the symbol "T" and is measured in units of Newtons (N).

What is the difference between tension and compression?

Tension and compression are both types of forces, but they act in opposite directions. Tension pulls an object outward, while compression pushes an object inward. Tension is often associated with stretching, while compression is associated with squeezing or compacting an object.

How is tension represented in vector notation?

Tension is represented as a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. In vector notation, tension is represented by a vector arrow above the letter "T" (e.g. ↑T or ↓T) to indicate the direction of the tension force.

How is tension calculated in a system of multiple forces?

In a system with multiple forces, tension can be calculated using the principle of equilibrium, which states that the sum of all forces acting on an object is equal to zero. This means that the tension force can be calculated by setting it equal to the sum of all other forces in the system and solving for T.

What are some real-world examples of tension?

Tension can be observed in numerous everyday situations, such as when pulling a rope, stretching a rubber band, or hanging a weight from a string. It is also present in more complex systems, such as bridges, cables, and even the human body.

Similar threads

Guitar string tension: effect of total length - continued
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
1K
Finding Charge & Tension of a Suspended Cork Ball
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
B Magnetic force driving a small iron ball
    • Classical Physics
Replies
4
Views
996
What is the induced magnetic force on this closed current loop?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
194
How Do You Calculate the Electric Charge on a Suspended Cork Ball?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
B Problems I Have With Electrostatics and Pith Ball Experiments
    • Classical Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
Uniform electric field - tension & electric field strength
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating Tension Forces on Charged Balls Suspended by Strings
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
Calculating the force on an electron from two positive point charges
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
748
Foucault Pendulum at the North Pole
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
697

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top