Another Electric Potential Problem

AI Thread Summary
A charge of 2.9*10^-6 C is fixed at the origin, while a second identical charge is released from rest at coordinates (1.15m, 0.550m). The problem involves calculating the distance from the origin where the second charge attains half the speed it would have at infinity. The key equation relates kinetic energy and potential energy, but the initial position is crucial for determining the initial potential energy. Understanding that the initial position impacts potential energy clarifies how to approach the problem effectively.
Brit412
Messages
24
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A charge of 2.9*10^-6C is held fixed at the origin. A second charge of 2.9*10^-6 C is released from rest at the position (1.15m, 0.550m). And the mass of the second charge is 2.10 g.
At what distance from the origin does the 2.9*10^-6 charge attain half the speed it will have at infinity?


Homework Equations



KE (final) = Potential Energy (initial) - PE (final)

The Attempt at a Solution


There was a part A to this question where I figured out the speed it had at infinity. For the second part, I tried to just solve for r using the same equation but it doesn't work. Any tips?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
At what distance from the origin does it start?

Now in terms of Potential Energy is concerned when the velocity is 1/2 of the final velocity, then at what radius if you released a charge would it only have 1/2 the previous part's velocity at ∞ ?
 
It starts at 0,0.
 
Brit412 said:
It starts at 0,0.

Looks to me like it is
released from rest at the position (1.15m, 0.550m)
 
What should I do with that position? Should I add it to the new radius I get?
 
Brit412 said:
What should I do with that position? Should I add it to the new radius I get?

Doesn't the initial position determine the initial potential energy?
 
Yes it does...I get it now, thank you!
 
Back
Top