Electrostatics problem with charged particles accelerating

In summary, the problem involves four particles, two positively charged and two negatively charged, with different masses and initial positions on a square. The task is to calculate the distance between the negative charges when their velocity is at its maximum. Relevant equations would include the force of one charged particle on another, as well as equations relating acceleration, velocity, and position for masses experiencing forces. It is necessary to write out these equations and explain how they can be used to solve the problem in order to receive tutorial help.
  • #1
Skrileq
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Homework Statement
There are four particles:

Two positively charged +|e| with a mass so large that it can be assumed that they are stationary

Two negatively charged -|e| with a mass m

The particles initially rest on the vertices of a square with side a.

the task is to calculate the distance between negative charges when their velocity is maximum
Relevant Equations
I didn’t figured it out yet
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  • #2
Skrileq said:
Homework Statement:: There are four particles:

Two positively charged +|e| with a mass so large that it can be assumed that they are stationary

Two negatively charged -|e| with a mass m

The particles initially rest on the vertices of a square with side a.

the task is to calculate the distance between negative charges when their velocity is maximum
Relevant Equations:: I didn’t figured it out yet

View attachment 270554
Welcome to the PF.

When you are asked for the "Relevant Equations", that means we want you to write down the equations that you think you may use to solve the problem. Since this problem asks about accelerations and velocities of charged particles that are exerting forces on each other, a Relevant Equation would be the force of one charged particle on another, right? And another set of equations would be the relationships between acceleration, velocity and position for masses that are experiencing forces.

Please write out those equations (preferably using LaTeX -- see the LaTeX Guide in the lower left of the edit window). Once you have written out the equations, please say how you think they can be used to approach this problem. We require that you show your work before we can offer tutorial help. Thank you.
 
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Likes Delta2

1. What is electrostatics?

Electrostatics is the study of electric charges at rest. It deals with the behavior of stationary electric charges and the forces they exert on each other.

2. How do charged particles accelerate?

Charged particles accelerate when they experience a force due to an electric field. The direction of acceleration is determined by the direction of the electric field and the charge of the particle.

3. What is the relationship between electric field and acceleration?

The magnitude of the electric field is directly proportional to the acceleration of a charged particle. This means that a stronger electric field will result in a greater acceleration of the particle.

4. How does the mass of a charged particle affect its acceleration in an electric field?

The mass of a charged particle does not affect its acceleration in an electric field. This is because the acceleration is determined by the electric field and the charge of the particle, not its mass.

5. Can charged particles accelerate in a vacuum?

Yes, charged particles can accelerate in a vacuum as long as there is an electric field present. The absence of air or other particles does not affect the behavior of charged particles in an electric field.

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