A Proton is orbiting a metal ball

In summary, we are trying to find the charge on a metal ball based on the orbital period and distance of a proton orbiting it. Using the equations for centripetal force and Coulomb's law, we can calculate the velocity of the proton and then use it to find the force and ultimately the charge on the ball. After correcting for the radius and solving for the charge of the sphere, we get a negative value because the proton is attracted to the sphere.
  • #1
cse63146
452
0

Homework Statement



A proton orbits a 1.0-cm-diameter metal ball 1.90 mm above the surface. The orbital period is 1.50 [tex]\mu s[/tex].

What is the charge on the ball?

Homework Equations



[tex]F_{cp} = \frac{m v^2}{r}[/tex]

[tex]F_c = \frac{k q_1 q_2}{r^2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Since the proton is orbiting the metal ball, there is obviously a centripetal force involved, but first I need to velocity.

[tex]v_{cp} = {\omega r} = \frac{2 \pi r}{T} = \frac{2 \pi (0.005)}{1.5*10^{-6}} = 2.1*10^4 m/s[/tex]

I was wondering whether this statement is true [tex] F_{cp} = F_c[/tex]
 
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  • #2
You're on the right lines, just keep going. One issue is your value for r?
 
  • #3
so would q_1 = q_2 in this case, and for the r, I should use the 1.9mm instead?
 
  • #4
You'll be solving for for one of the charges. The other will be the charge on the proton. The radius if measured from the centre of the metal sphere.
 
  • #5
so the radius of the metal ball would be .5 cm = 0.005m which is the value I used.
 
  • #6
cse63146 said:
so the radius of the metal ball would be .5 cm = 0.005m which is the value I used.

Plus the distance of the proton above the surface.
 
  • #7
Kurdt said:
Plus the distance of the proton above the surface.

to calculate the velocity needed for the centripetal force?
 
  • #8
cse63146 said:
to calculate the velocity needed for the centripetal force?

Yes.
 
  • #9
I don't see why I would need the distance of the proton from the surface.
 
  • #10
The r is the distance of the proton from the centre of rotation. The distance is the radius of the sphere plus the height above the surface.
 
  • #11
so F_cp=(mv^2)/r

and F_cp=F_c
so F_cp=(kq_1q_2)/r^2
also q_1=q_2 --> F_cp=(kq^2)/r^2

Is this right?
 
  • #12
If you're doing the same question you can't assume both charges are the same since it is one of the charges you are trying to find.
 
  • #13
r = 1.0cm + 1.9 mm = 1.19 cm = 0.0119 m
m_proton = 1.67*10^-27 kg
T = 1.5 us = 1.5*10^-6 s

v_cp = omega*r = (2pi*r)/T = [2pi(0.0119 m]/(1.5*10^-6) = 4.98*10^4 m/s

F_cp = (mv^2)/r = (1.67*10^-27 kg*(4.98*10^4 m/s)^2)/0.0119 m = 3.49*10^-16 N

F_cp = F_c
so F_cp=(kq_1q_2)/r^2
F_cp=(kq^2)/r^2
3.49*10^-16 N = (k*q^2)/r^2
q^2 = [(3.49*10^-16 N)(r^2)]/(k)
q^2 = [(3.49*10^-16 N)((0.0119m)^2)]/(k)
q^2 = 4.937*10^-20 Nm^2 / 8.99*10^9 Nm^2/C^2
q^2 = 5.49*10^-15 C^2
q = 2.34*10^-15 C

Is this the correct procedure and answer? Someone please help
 
  • #14
I just saw your reply as I entered this post above, what am I doing wrong?
 
  • #15
radius would be r = 1/2(0.019 m) = 0.0095 m
 
  • #16
no wait, r = 1/2(1 cm) + 1.9 mm = 0.0069 m
 
  • #17
new calculation:

r = r = 1/2(1 cm) + 1.9 mm = 0.0069 m
m_proton = 1.67*10^-27 kg
T = 1.5 us = 1.5*10^-6 s

v_cp = omega*r = (2pi*r)/T = [2pi(0.0069 m]/(1.5*10^-6) = 2.89*10^4 m/s

F_cp = (mv^2)/r = (1.67*10^-27 kg*(2.89*10^4 m/s)^2)/0.0069 m = 2.02*10^-16 N

F_cp = F_c
so F_cp=(kq_1q_2)/r^2
F_cp=(kq^2)/r^2
2.02*10^-16 N = (k*q^2)/r^2
q^2 = [(2.02*10^-16 N)(r^2)]/(k)
q^2 = [(2.02*10^-16 N)((0.0069m)^2)]/(k)
q^2 = 9.62*10^-21 Nm^2 / 8.99*10^9 Nm^2/C^2
q^2 = 1.07*10^-30 C^2
q = 1.03*10^-15 C
 
  • #18
Radius would be 0.005m+0.0019m.
 
  • #19
You're right, I corrected it and it comes to 0.0069 m. Do you know if this procedure I used is correct??
 
  • #20
the final answer should come to about -#*10^-12, but this is nowhere near that :(
 
  • #21
Its not q^2. There are two different charges.
 
  • #22
original1 said:
new calculation:

r = r = 1/2(1 cm) + 1.9 mm = 0.0069 m
m_proton = 1.67*10^-27 kg
T = 1.5 us = 1.5*10^-6 s

v_cp = omega*r = (2pi*r)/T = [2pi(0.0069 m]/(1.5*10^-6) = 2.89*10^4 m/s

F_cp = (mv^2)/r = (1.67*10^-27 kg*(2.89*10^4 m/s)^2)/0.0069 m = 2.02*10^-16 N

F_cp = F_c
so F_cp=(kq_1q_2)/r^2

Good up to here. Now as Kurdt said, q1 is not equal to q2, you can't replace that with q^2. Set q1 equal to the charge of the proton and solve for q2, the charge of the sphere.
 
  • #23
F_cp = F_c
so F_cp=(kq_1q_2)/r^2

q_1 = 1.602*10^-19 C

q_2= (F_cp*r^2)/(k*q_1)
q_2= [(2.02*10^-16 N)(0.0069 m)^2]/[(8.99*10^9 Nm^2/C^2*1.602*10^-19 C)]
q_2= 6.68*10^-12 C

this looks right, thank you!

do you know why the answer has to be negative value?
 
  • #24
The proton has a + charge. If it's orbiting the sphere, then it's attracted to the sphere. Opposite charges attract.
 
  • #25
That makes perfect sense...

thanks for all your help!
 

1. What is a proton?

A proton is a subatomic particle that has a positive charge and is found in the nucleus of an atom. It is one of the building blocks of matter and is approximately 1,836 times more massive than an electron.

2. How is a proton orbiting a metal ball?

A proton can orbit a metal ball through the interaction between its positive charge and the negative charges of the electrons in the metal ball. This creates an electric force that keeps the proton in orbit around the metal ball.

3. What is the purpose of the metal ball in this scenario?

The metal ball serves as a source of negative charge for the proton to orbit around. Without the metal ball, the proton would not have a stable orbit and would eventually fly off in a straight line due to its inertia.

4. How does the speed of the proton affect its orbit around the metal ball?

The speed of the proton affects its orbit by altering the strength of the electric force between the proton and the metal ball. A faster proton will have a larger inertia, making it more difficult for the electric force to keep it in orbit.

5. Can a proton orbit other objects besides a metal ball?

Yes, a proton can orbit other objects besides a metal ball as long as there is a source of negative charge to create an electric force. This can include other atoms, molecules, or even larger objects like planets or stars.

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