Calculating Electric Forces and Acceleration in a Charged System

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric forces and acceleration acting on an alpha particle situated between two charged objects, one positively charged and the other negatively charged. The context is rooted in electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the charge of the alpha particle and its relevance to the calculations. Questions arise regarding the nature of protons and the charge of the alpha particle itself. There is also an exploration of the formula for calculating electric force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing insights about the charges involved. Some have expressed uncertainty about the charge of the alpha particle and how to incorporate it into the calculations. There is an indication that some participants are beginning to clarify their understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of the alpha particle's charge in the original problem statement, which raises questions about how to proceed with the calculations. There is also mention of needing to consider the charge of electrons in the context of the discussion.

Coco12
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Homework Statement



5. An alpha particle ( 2 protons and 2 neutrons) is placed between two stationary, charged objects. It is 0.0030 m to the right of the object carrying a +1.0 X 10-12 C charge, and 0.0020 m to the left of the object carrying a -2.0 X 10-12 C charge. Draw a picture and determine:

a) the magnitude and direction of the electrical force acting on the alpha particle.

b) the rate and direction of the acceleration of the alpha particle.

Homework Equations


F=kq1q2/r^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I just don't understand I have the charge of the objects on both ends but I don't have the charge of the particle in the middle so how am I going to solve it?
 
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Hi Coco12. Do protons carry an electric charge?
 
Yes positive
 
Is it 2+
 
Do I just do 9*10^9(1*10^-19)(2)/ .0030^2

And then the same for the other object ?
 
Nvm I got it!
 
Have to use charge of electrons
 

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