Electrical Forces, Torque & Flux

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net torque on a long, thin rod subjected to opposing point charges and an external electric field. The rod, with a length of 4.0 m, has a +6.0 C charge at one end and a -6.0 C charge at the other end, resulting in forces of 0.03 N and -0.03 N, respectively. The torque calculations yield T1 = 0.12 N·m and T2 = -0.12 N·m, indicating that the torques cancel each other out. Additionally, the discussion addresses calculating the charge Q inside a rectangular box using electric flux values through its surfaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces (e.g., F = Eq)
  • Knowledge of torque calculations (e.g., Torque = Fl)
  • Familiarity with electric flux concepts (e.g., Flux = Q/Permittivity of free space)
  • Basic principles of electrostatics and charge interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electric torque in electrostatics
  • Learn about the concept of electric flux and Gauss's Law
  • Explore the effects of external electric fields on charged objects
  • Investigate the relationship between electric charge and force in different configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, torque, and electric fields. This discussion is beneficial for anyone tackling problems related to electric forces and their effects on charged objects.

kgigs6
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Homework Statement



A long, thin rod (length = 4.0 m) lies along the x axis, with its midpoint at the origin. In a vacuum, a +6.0 C point charge is fixed to one end of the rod, and a -6.0 C point charge is fixed to the other end. Everywhere in the x, y plane there is a constant external electric field (magnitude 5.0 x 103 N/C) that is perpendicular to the rod. With respect to the z axis, find the magnitude of the net torque applied to the rod.

Homework Equations



F=Eq
Torque = Fl


The Attempt at a Solution



F1 = (5E3N/C)(+6.0E-6C)
F1= 0.03N

F2= (5E3N/C)(-6.0E-6C)
F2= -0.03N

T1= (0.03N)(4.0m)
T1= 0.12 N/m

T2= (-0.03N)(4.0m)
T2= -0.12N/m

I'm not sure where to go from here in order to find the net torque, I don't think it is as simple as they cancel out but I can't figure out what to do next.


Homework Statement



A charge Q is located inside a rectangular box. The electric flux through each of the six surfaces of the box is: 1 = +4400 Nm2/C, 2 = +3530 Nm2/C, 3 = +1310 Nm2/C, 4 = -4520 Nm2/C, 5 = -5930 Nm2/C, and 6 = -4580 Nm2/C. What is Q?


Homework Equations



I'm not even sure where to start with this one, maybe one of these two equations:
Flux = Summation(Ecosphi)A
Flux = Q/Permittivity of free space

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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When you have 2 equal and opposite forces then I think the Torque on the object can be taken about one of the points of the application of the forces, and the torque would be the moment of the other force about that point. If your force is correct, (I didn't do the math), then either of your answers is correct, except that they should both end with the same direction, clockwise or counterclockwise and not different as you apparently show.
 

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