Electric Forces: Need Help Solving!

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric forces between two charged spheres and comparing this force to the weight of one of the spheres. The problem involves concepts from electrostatics and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the electric force using Coulomb's law and then compares it to the gravitational force. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculations and the assumptions made.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in verifying the calculations and discussing the correctness of the approach. There is a lack of consensus on the validity of the numbers used in the calculations, indicating an ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The problem includes specific values for mass and charge, as well as a defined distance between the spheres, which may influence the discussion on the calculations and assumptions regarding forces.

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Electric Forces...need help!

Homework Statement


Two small plastic spheres each have a mass of 2.85 g and a charge of -39 nC. They are placed 3.06 cm apart (center to center).

A. What is the magnitude of the electric force on each sphere?

B. By what factor is the electric force on a sphere larger than its weight?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


A. K*q*q / r^2 = 0.0146 N
B. I thought I could just do 0.0146 N / (0.00285kg * 9.81 m/s^2) = 0.523...is that right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The concept is right.
 
so what am I doing wrong??
 
Are you? What? I haven't checked the numbers.
 

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