Electric Field and Forces Problem?

In summary, using the equations E=F/q and Ft-mg-Fe=0, the magnitude of the electric field can be calculated to be 10623529.4 N/C with a direction pointing downwards in order to cancel out the tension force.
  • #1
AnnieF
14
0

Homework Statement



A point charge of mass 0.210 kg, and net charge +0.340*10^-6C, hangs at rest at the end of an insulating string above a large sheet of charge. The horizontal sheet of uniform charge creates a uniform vertical electric field in the vicinity of the point charge. The tension in the string is measured to be 5.67 N. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field due to the sheet of charge.


Homework Equations



E=F/q

F=Q1Q2K/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not entirely sure how to do this, but this is my guess..could someone tell me if I am doing this right?

Ft-mg-Fe=0
Fe=Ft-mg
Fc=3.612 N

E=F/q
E=3.612/.340E-6
E=10623529.4 N/C
I am not sure how to tell what direction it will be in
 
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  • #2
AnnieF said:

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not entirely sure how to do this, but this is my guess..could someone tell me if I am doing this right?

Ft-mg-Fe=0
Fe=Ft-mg
Fc=3.612 N

E=F/q
E=3.612/.340E-6
E=10623529.4 N/C
Looks good.
I am not sure how to tell what direction it will be in
Can you tell what the direction of the electric force is?
 
  • #3
Well I was thinking that it would have to be down, because the force of tension is greater than the force of gravity, so in order for the system to be not moving, the other force would have to pull downwards in order to cancel out the larger force of tension. Is this right?
 

Related to Electric Field and Forces Problem?

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space where an electric charge experiences a force. It is created by other electric charges and is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How is an electric field calculated?

The electric field at a point is calculated by dividing the force experienced by a test charge placed at that point by the magnitude of the test charge. This results in a vector quantity with units of Newtons per Coulomb (N/C).

3. What is the difference between an electric field and an electric force?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the force experienced by a charged particle at a point in space. An electric force, on the other hand, is the actual force experienced by a charged particle due to the presence of an electric field.

4. How does distance affect the strength of an electric field?

The strength of an electric field decreases with distance from the source charge. This relationship follows an inverse-square law, meaning that the strength of the electric field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges.

5. What are some real-world applications of electric fields?

Electric fields have many practical applications, such as in electrical systems, electronics, and technology. They are also used in medical imaging techniques, such as MRI machines, and in the production of energy through techniques like hydroelectric power. Additionally, electric fields are used in everyday objects like capacitors, batteries, and electric motors.

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