Determine the Charge on a Particle

In summary, the problem involves two charged particles with equal charges being released from rest and observed to have initial accelerations of 4.0 m/s2 and 6.0 m/s2 respectively. Using the given mass and acceleration of the first particle, the mass of the second particle can be determined to be 2.26 x 10^-7 kg. To determine the charge on the particles, Coulomb's law can be applied by rearranging the formula F=kq2/r to solve for q. Since the particles have equal charges, q1 and q2 can be replaced by q2, leading to the formula q=Fkr.
  • #1
Pruddy
64
0

Homework Statement



a.) Two equally charged particles, held 22.4 cm apart, are released from rest. The initial acceleration of the first particle is observed to be 4.0 m/s2 and that of the second particle is 6.0 m/s2. If the mass of the first particle is 3.40 x 10-7 kg, determine the mass of the second particle in kg.

b.)For the previous problem, determine the charge on the particles?

Homework Equations


F = ma, m = f/a, e = 1.609 x 10^-19


The Attempt at a Solution


I am able to determine the mass of the second particle which is 2.26 x 10^-7. The second question states that we should find the charge on the particles. I tried to multiply the mass of the second particle by 1.609 x 10^-19. But i don't think that is the right formula because the unit does not cancel. Pls, is there any formula for charge?
 
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  • #2
From part a you have the force F. So for part b, you will have to apply Coulomb's Law.
 
  • #3
rock.freak667 said:
From part a you have the force F. So for part b, you will have to apply Coulomb's Law.
The SI unit of the answer is in Couloumbs (C) mean while the SI unit of coulombs law formula is N.kg^2/C^2.
 
  • #4
Pruddy said:
The SI unit of the answer is in Couloumbs (C) mean while the SI unit of coulombs law formula is N.kg^2/C^2.

Coulomb's law describes the force between two electrostatic particles. You have the force from the first part, you just need to rearrange to get the correct quantity.
 
  • #5
rock.freak667 said:
Coulomb's law describes the force between two electrostatic particles. You have the force from the first part, you just need to rearrange to get the correct quantity.

Hi,
I don't really understand what you mean by rearrange to ge the correct quantity..
 
  • #6
Pruddy said:
Hi,
I don't really understand what you mean by rearrange to ge the correct quantity..

If your formula is something like

F=kM/r

you can rearrange to get M such that

M=Fr/k


What is the formula for Coulomb's law?
 
  • #7
F= kq1q2/r2 (Coulombs law formula)
 
  • #8
Pruddy said:
F= kq1q2/r2 (Coulombs law formula)


Since the charges are equal, what does that mean for q1 and q2?
 
  • #9
It means that q1 and q2 have thesame charge and therefore they will repel each other. As we know, like charges repel and unlike charges attract.
 
  • #10
Pruddy said:
It means that q1 and q2 have thesame charge and therefore they will repel each other. As we know, like charges repel and unlike charges attract.

Right so q1=q2, which means you can replace this by q2. So in F=kq2/r just rearrange to solve for q.
 

1. What is the charge of a particle?

The charge of a particle is a fundamental property that determines its interaction with electric and magnetic fields. It can be either positive or negative, and is measured in units of Coulombs (C).

2. How is the charge on a particle determined?

The charge on a particle is determined through experimental methods, such as using a device called an electroscope or by observing its interactions with other charged particles. It can also be calculated using mathematical equations based on the particle's mass and electric field strength.

3. Can the charge on a particle change?

Yes, the charge on a particle can change through a process called ionization, where it gains or loses electrons. In some cases, a particle's charge can also change due to nuclear reactions or interactions with other particles.

4. What is the difference between positive and negative charge?

Positive charge occurs when a particle has more protons than electrons, while negative charge occurs when a particle has more electrons than protons. Positive and negative charges are attracted to each other, while like charges repel each other.

5. Can particles have fractional charges?

No, particles cannot have fractional charges. The smallest unit of charge is the charge of an electron, which is -1.602 x 10^-19 Coulombs. However, there are some theoretical particles, such as quarks, that have fractional charges, but they have not been observed in isolation.

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