3 Equal Charges in Equilateral Triangle - Find KE @ Inf

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving three equal charges arranged in an equilateral triangle and calculating their kinetic energy as they move to infinity. The user is struggling with the integral of force (F) over distance (ds) and questions why their approach isn't yielding the correct results. They provide their equations and calculations, noting the use of the cosine of 30 degrees and the relationship between dr and ds. The user seeks clarification on the correct interpretation of the distance variables in their integral setup. The thread highlights the complexity of applying integral calculus to this electrostatic scenario.
trixxstyle
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Question is attached.

I know there's a few ways to solve this, but I'm wondering specifically why my integral of F ds isn't working.

Homework Equations



F = k * q^2 / r^2
U = ∫ F ds
cos 30 = √3/2
s= rcos30

The Attempt at a Solution



U = 2 * cos 30 * k * q^2 ∫ 1/r^2 ds
U = √3 * k * q^2 ∫ 1/r^2 * √3/2 dr - (a to inf)
U = 3/2 * k * q^2 * 1/a
 

Attachments

  • Untitled.png
    Untitled.png
    15.6 KB · Views: 474
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Any help would be appreciated. No one seems to be able to help me.
 
I assume your model is to let all three move apart some small amount, symmetrically. dr will be the increase in distance between any pair, while ds is the distance each moves. If so, I get dr = ds √3, which does not seem to be what you have used.
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Back
Top