Difficult Eletrical angle force problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics problem involving two charged pith balls, one suspended and one brought close, resulting in an angle of 30 degrees due to electrostatic forces. The weight of the suspended ball (Fg) is calculated using the formula Fg = mg, where g is 9.8 m/s². Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a free body diagram to visualize the forces acting on the suspended ball, including gravitational force (Fg), electrostatic force (Fe), and tension (Ft). The equilibrium conditions must be applied to solve for the unknown forces and the charge of the balls. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
Shadowsol
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1. Two pith balls each have a mass of 1 g. and equal charge. One pith ball is suspended by an insulating thread. The other is brought to 3 cm from the suspended ball. The suspended ball is now hanging with the thread forming an angle of 30 degrees with the vertical. The ball is in equlibrium with Fe, Fg, and Ft.
Calculate Fg, Fe, and the charge of the balls.


2. F=kFaFb/dsquared


3. I really have no idea how to start it. Is Fg just 9.8m? For the rest I don't know how to get the force.
 
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Draw the free body diagram for the ball hanging from the ceiling at an angle of 30 degrees. Since it is not moving, it is a statics problem, and you know that the net force on the ball is...

Once you have all your forces, break them into their components.
 
Shadowsol said:
Is Fg just 9.8m?
Yes, the weight (Fg) = mg, where g = 9.8 m/s^2.

For the rest I don't know how to get the force.
Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the suspending pith ball. Apply the equilibrium conditions and solve for the other forces.
 

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