What is the electric charge on the charged polystyrene ball?

In summary, a polystyrene ball of mass 0.14g is suspended by a nylon thread from a fine glass spring, which extends by 30mm in the absence of any electric field. When the ball is placed in an electric field with a strength of 200kV m^-1, the spring extends by an additional 6mm. Using the equation change in Ep = Eqd, we can determine the electric charge on the ball by setting the electric force equal to 200000 Nc^-1 and multiplying it by the distance of 30mm. However, we also need to consider the information given about the spring extending solely due to gravity in order to fully determine the electric charge.
  • #1
SimpleBurrito
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Homework Statement


A charged polystyrene ball of mass 0.14g is suspended by a nylon thread from a fine glass spring. In the absence of any electric field the spring extends by 30mm. The polystyrene ball is then placed in an electric field that acts vertically upwards, of strength 200kV m^-1, and the spring extends by a further 6mm. What is the electric charge on the ball.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


change in Ep = Eqd, so 200kV = 200000 Nc^-1 so 200000*q(how di I get q) * 30mm??
 
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  • #2
You need to use the information you are given on how much the spring extends in the absence of an electric field (supposedly by the action of gravity alone). What does this tell you about the spring? How can you use this to determine the electric force on the ball using the other information that you are given?
 

What is electric charge?

Electric charge is a fundamental physical property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field. It can be positive or negative, and is measured in units of Coulombs (C).

What are the two types of electric charge?

The two types of electric charge are positive and negative. Positive charge is carried by protons, while negative charge is carried by electrons.

How is electric charge related to electric current?

Electric charge is the basis for electric current. When a flow of electrons (negative charge) occurs, it creates an electric current. The magnitude of the current is determined by the amount of charge passing through a given point in a given time.

What is the difference between conductors and insulators?

Conductors are materials that allow electric charge to flow through them easily, while insulators are materials that resist the flow of electric charge. Metals, such as copper and aluminum, are good conductors, while rubber and plastic are good insulators.

How is electric charge conserved?

According to the law of conservation of electric charge, the total amount of electric charge in a closed system remains constant. This means that charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one object to another.

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