Electric field - multiple choice - Physics Unit 4 Specimen

In summary, the conversation is discussing how to determine the acceleration of two objects with the same q/m ratio given a specific electric field. The answer is B because the objects have the same q/m ratio and are both motionless in the given electric field, allowing for a mathematical calculation to be made to find the charge on each object in terms of the electric field and mass.
  • #1
jsmith613
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


ok so I get that the answer is B
but is it because they have the same q/m ratio?
 

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  • #2
jsmith613 said:
ok so I get that the answer is B
but is it because they have the same q/m ratio?

Essentially, yes.

You should be able to work out mathematically what the accelerations are for an equal variation in the electric field (say, E = k*Eo) given that when the field is Eo they are both motionless. Hint: find the charge on each in terms of Eo and mass.
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the influence of electric charges on each other. It is a vector field, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and is created by stationary electric charges.

2. How is the strength of an electric field measured?

The strength of an electric field is measured in units of volts per meter (V/m). It can also be calculated by dividing the force exerted on a charge by that charge's magnitude.

3. What is the relationship between electric field and electric potential?

Electric potential is the potential energy per unit of charge at a given point in an electric field. It is directly proportional to the strength of the electric field, meaning as the electric field increases, so does the electric potential.

4. Can electric field lines intersect?

No, electric field lines cannot intersect. This is because the direction of the electric field is determined by the direction of the force on a positive test charge. If the field lines were to intersect, it would mean that the test charge would experience two different forces at the same point, which is not possible.

5. How is electric field different from gravitational field?

Electric field and gravitational field are both vector fields that describe the influence of a force. However, electric field is created by electric charges, while gravitational field is created by masses. Additionally, electric field can be positive or negative, while gravitational field is always positive.

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