Calculating Charges Using Coulomb's Law and Slope Analysis

In summary, during a physics lab on Coulomb's law, a Van de Graaff Generator was used to charge a sphere covered in foil. The sphere was attracted to the VdGG and became charged as well, resulting in repulsion. Measurements were taken and a graph was drawn to determine the slope, which was used to calculate the charges Q on the spheres using Coulomb's law and a force constant of k = 9x10^9 nm^2/C^2. However, it is unclear how to calculate the single charges without data on both electrodes.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


In our physics lab about the Coulomb's law we had an Van de Graaff Generator (VdGG) to produce a charge and we had a sphere covered with foil (a conductor) which was hang up next to the VdGG. When the VdGG produced charged the sphere was attracted to it and finally touched th VdGG and became charged also. The result was that the sphere then was repelled.
We took measurements of the process and then drew a graph, from which we received a slope (of a straight line)
We did 5 trails, and receive data for 1/r^2 and F for each trail.

Homework Equations


The question is: From the slope, using Coulomb's law with the given force constant k = 9x10^9 nm^2/C^2, determine the charge Q on the speres in the units Coulomb.

The Attempt at a Solution


So, the Coulomb's Law is:

F = k * |Q1|*|Q2|\r^2

The slope = k * |Q1|*|Q2| = 3.81x10^-4 Nm^2

So the charges Q are
|Q1|*|Q2| = slope/k

I do not know how I can calculate the single charges.

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
When the balls touch, they attain the same voltage. Each is a different capacitor. You can use
Q1*C1 = Q2*C2 = V.

There may be an easier way, let's hear from others too since you don't seem to have lab data on both electrodes.
 

What is Coulomb's Law?

Coulomb's Law is a fundamental law of electrostatics that describes the relationship between the electric force, the distance between charged particles, and the magnitude of the charges. It states that the force between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

What is the purpose of a Coulomb's Law lab?

The purpose of a Coulomb's Law lab is to experimentally verify the relationship between the electric force, the distance between charged particles, and the magnitude of the charges. This allows us to better understand and apply Coulomb's Law in real-world situations.

How is Coulomb's Law related to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

Coulomb's Law and Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation are both inverse square laws that describe the force between two objects. However, Coulomb's Law deals with electric charges while Newton's Law deals with masses.

What are the key variables in a Coulomb's Law lab?

The key variables in a Coulomb's Law lab are the electric force, the distance between charged particles, and the magnitude of the charges. Other variables that may be measured or controlled include the medium between the charges, the size and shape of the charged objects, and any external forces acting on the system.

What are some common sources of error in a Coulomb's Law lab?

Some common sources of error in a Coulomb's Law lab include measurement errors, environmental factors such as humidity or temperature, and human error in setting up and conducting the experiment. It is important to carefully control and account for these factors in order to obtain accurate results.

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