Electric Potential Energy Among Multiple Charges kinda a

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves four point charges arranged in a square formation, with a particle of mass m and charge q being released from a position and moving towards the center of the square. The task is to determine the initial speed v of the particle in terms of the given variables and constants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the conservation of energy principle, attempting to relate initial and final states of the particle. There are questions regarding the correctness of derived expressions for speed v, with some participants providing their calculations and seeking verification.

Discussion Status

Some participants have shared their calculations and expressed differing results for the expression of speed v. There is an ongoing exploration of the mathematical relationships involved, with requests for clarification on the work shown.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of expressing the answer in specific terms and using defined constants, while also adhering to homework guidelines that may limit the type of assistance provided.

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Electric Potential Energy Among Multiple Charges kinda aurgent

1. Homework Statement

Four point charges, fixed in place, form a square with side length d. (See image)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/h4llw4x0r/notSoFast.jpg

The particle with charge q is now released and given a quick push; as a result, it acquires speed v. Eventually, this particle ends up at the center of the original square and is momentarily at rest. If the mass of this particle is m, what was its initial speed v?
Express your answer in terms of q, d, m, and appropriate constants. Use k instead of 1/4πe (where e = epsilon). The numeric coefficient should be a decimal with three significant figures.

2. Homework Equations

- Electric Potential Energy equation: U = k((Q1*Q2)/r)
- Relative Kinematics Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Ui+Ki=Uf+Kf

Kf=0
you get following
Ki=-Ui+Uf

getting the potential for each charge
solving for v
v==[((2kq^2)/dm)((9/(.5^.4))-5-((5/(2^.5))]^.5 then simplifying
i got v=[((2kq^2)/dm)(4.192)]^.5
is this correct
 
Last edited:
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Show your work, please.

ehild
 


i got it
 


v==[((2kq^2)/dm)((9/(.5^.4))-5-((5/(2^.5))]^.5 then simplifying
i should not get this v=[((2kq^2)/dm)(4.192)]^.5
i should get the following (6.24kq62/dm)^.5
 

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