Block carrying a charge on a frictionless horizontal track

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a charged block on a frictionless track connected to a spring. The block has a mass of 4.00 kg and a charge of 50.0 µC, and it is subjected to a uniform electric field of 5.00x10^5 V/m. Participants suggest that at equilibrium, the electric force acting on the block will equal the spring's restoring force, determining the maximum expansion of the spring. The analysis indicates that the equilibrium position can be calculated using the balance of these forces. The problem emphasizes understanding the relationship between electric and spring forces in a frictionless environment.
nosracsan
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Homework Statement



A 4.00 kg block carrying a charge Q=50.0 µC is connected to a spring for which k=100N/m (see diagram). The block lies on a frictionless horizontal track, and the system is immersed in a uniform electric field of magnitude E = 5.00x10^5 V/m, directed as shown. If the block is released from rest when the spring is unstretched (at x = 0), (a) by what maximum amount does the spring expand? (b) What is the equilibrium position of the block?


See attached MS Word Document for diagrams / further information. Thanks!
 

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I think at equilibrium pos, electric force is equal to restoring force. And this pos should be a max amount that spring expands because there is no other force. :-?
 

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