Discharged electrodes and charges: electric slingshot

In summary, the problem involves designing a new satellite launcher that uses an electric slingshot mechanism. The launcher consists of four electrodes arranged in a horizontal square and is mounted above the satellite. A power supply charges each electrode with +32 C and the satellite with -128 C before the satellite is released. The satellite then moves upward under the influence of gravity after passing through the center of the square. The question is whether this launcher is sufficient to launch a 100 kg satellite above Earth's atmosphere, which is approximately 10 km high.
  • #1
thermocleanse
25
0

Homework Statement


working on feasability of a new satellite launcher that will save rocket fue. the design of the launcher is an electric slingshot. the launcher consists of 4 electrodes arranged in a horizontal square with sides 5 m long. the square of electrodes is mounted so that the center square is 15 m directly above the satellite that is to be launched. a power supply placers +32 C of charge on each electrode and -128 C of charge on the satellite. when the satellite is released, it launches straight up and passes through the center of the square. just as the satellite is passing through the square, the electrodes are discharged. the satellite then continues to move upward under only the influence of gravity. is this launcher sufficient to launch a 100 kg satellite above Earth's atmosphere? the height of the atmosphere is about 10 km.


Homework Equations



please c attached


The Attempt at a Solution



please c attached
 

Attachments

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  • #2
The way I interpret the problem statement, the electrodes are thin rods. Put four of these electrodes together (arranged horizontally) and you end up with a horizontal square.

In your attachment, you have each of the electrodes being a square, such that when all brought together they form a cube. I think the problem might be a little easier if you treat the electrodes as line charges forming a square (instead of a cube).
 
  • #3
i reworked it, per your suggestion, and am getting stuck with trying to see if the voltage potential difference offers enough energy to get the rocket over the giant pull of the Earth's gravity. please c attached. thanks very much for your help. i really appreciate it.
 

Attachments

  • crp1.pdf
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  • crp2.pdf
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  • crp3.pdf
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1. What is a discharged electrode?

A discharged electrode is an electrode that has released its stored electrical charge. This can happen when an electrical current flows through the electrode, causing it to lose its charge.

2. How does an electric slingshot work?

An electric slingshot uses discharged electrodes to propel an object forward. When the electrodes are charged, they create an electric field that pulls the object towards them. When the electrodes are discharged, the object is released and propelled forward.

3. What are the uses of a discharged electrode?

Discharged electrodes have various uses in the fields of physics and engineering. They can be used in electric slingshots, as well as in capacitors, batteries, and other electrical devices to store and release energy.

4. How is an electrode charged?

Electrodes can be charged through various methods such as friction, induction, or direct contact with a power source. When an electrode is charged, it gains excess electrons, creating a potential difference between the two ends of the electrode.

5. What factors affect the strength of an electric slingshot?

The strength of an electric slingshot depends on several factors, including the amount of charge on the electrodes, the distance between the electrodes and the object, and the weight and size of the object being propelled.

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