Calculating Centripetal Force for Particle in Circular Motion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the value of charge Q required for a particle to execute circular motion under the influence of an electrostatic force. The particle has a mass of 0.694 g and a charge of 5.04 µC, moving at a speed of 34.0 m/s. The relevant formula for the electrostatic force is F = k(qQ)/r², where k is Coulomb's constant, q is the charge of the moving particle, and r is the distance from the origin. To maintain circular motion, the centripetal force must equal the electrostatic force, leading to the conclusion that the necessary charge Q can be derived from the centripetal acceleration formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and circular motion principles
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and electrostatic forces
  • Knowledge of Newton's second law of motion
  • Basic understanding of units, specifically microcoulombs (µC)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate centripetal acceleration using the formula a = v²/r
  • Review Coulomb's law for electrostatic force calculations
  • Explore the relationship between mass, charge, and acceleration in circular motion
  • Investigate the implications of neglecting gravitational forces in electrostatic scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of charged particles in circular motion.

buttontugger
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A particle of charge Q is fixed at the origin of an xy coordinate system. At t = 0 a particle (m = 0.694 g, q = 5.04 µC is located on the x-axis at x = 20.2 cm, moving with a speed of 34.0 m/s in the positive y direction. For what value of Q (in μC) will the moving particle execute circular motion? (Neglect the gravitational force on the particle.)

I tried plugging everything in, I just can't seem to figure out where to put the mass or velocity, if at all needed.

does F=k(.00504C)(Q)/(.202^2) ?

I really need somewhere to start
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What must the acceleration be, if it's to execute circular motion? Apply Newton's 2nd law.

Note that µC means micro C = 10-6 C.
 

Similar threads

Is the Instantaneous Circle Proven When Centripetal Force is Removed?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Circular trajectory traveled by a charged particle in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Electric Charges Causing Centripetal Motion
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Two spring-coupled masses in an electric field (one of the masses is charged)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Tension of string acting on stone moving in horizontal circular motion
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Harmonic Motion of a Charged Particle
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Finding the Charge for Circular Motion in an Electric Field
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
Closest distance of approach between 2 charged particles
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Simple harmonic motion of charged particles
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Power given to particle by centripetal forces
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K