How can I find the electrostatic force on one of the balls in the Pith Ball Lab?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the electrostatic force acting on one of the balls in the Pith Ball Lab using Coulomb's Law. The formula applied is Fe = k * q1 * q2 / r², where k is the electrostatic constant (9.0 x 10^9 N m²/C²), r is the distance between the charges (0.073 m), and the angle of separation is 20 degrees. Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a force diagram to isolate the electrostatic force and relate it to the tension in the string, which is necessary for solving the problem accurately.

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Pith ball lab. HELP

In the lab there are 2 balls that are being separated by an electrostatic force.
Since both of the balls are receiving the same force it is only neccesary to find the force on one of the balls.

So here goes. The formula I am using is Fe=k q/r(squared)

I know k= 9.0 x 10^9
R= 7.3 cm or .073m
and the angle is 20* for one side
I believe I need to find tension in the string. And find the horizontal component so I can find Fe because those 2 are equivalant. I am just not sure how to do it. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the help!
 
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I know someone knows this.
 
Drawing a force diagram for one of the balls will be the most helpful thing in this situation. Also, note the electrostatic force depends on BOTH charges, so its kqq/r^2. What exactly are you trying to find? Isolate this force from the force diagram. Then from there you can solve for whatever unknown you have.
 

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