- #1
h4llw4x0r
- 1
- 0
Homework Statement
Four point charges, fixed in place, form a square with side length d. (See image)
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.
Homework Equations
- Electric Potential Energy equation: U = k((Q1*Q2)/r)
- Relative Kinematics Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I figured to solve the problem I would need to find the potential energy of the particle with charge q due to each of the other three charged particles and then use the principle of superposition. However, I didn't get the right solution when I worked it out... here's how I was trying to work out the potential energy equation:
U,initial = k(((Q1*Q2)/r1,2)+((Q1*Q3)/r1,3)+((Q1*Q4)/r1,4)+((Q2*Q3)/r2,3)+...)
Can someone help me with my logic here? Thanks =)
Last edited: