Electrostatic and Gravitational Forces

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of electrostatic and gravitational forces, specifically focusing on the relationships between these forces when certain variables, such as distance, are not explicitly defined. Participants are exploring the underlying principles of these forces and their mathematical representations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to relate gravitational force equations to electrostatic force equations, questioning whether the actual distance is necessary for their comparison. There is a discussion about rearranging formulas to express the relationship between the two forces.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing hints and suggestions for rearranging equations. Some express confidence in their algebraic manipulations, while others are still questioning the assumptions regarding the distances and the nature of the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted constraint regarding the unspecified distance in the problem, which is causing some confusion among participants. Additionally, the discussion includes references to the equality of charges and masses in the context of the forces being compared.

grscott_2000
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*Thanks for the help*
 
Last edited:
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grscott_2000 said:
This has been driving me nuts! If a distance were specified I'd have it in an instant. Everything I've learned up to now has involved a separation between points.
Hint: Call the distance "D". Maybe you don't need the actual distance. :wink:

I know that Fgrav = -G * Mm/r^2
That's the one.
And that Fgrav = mg
No, that's the weight of the particles--their attraction to the earth, not to each other.
 
*thanks for the help*
 
Last edited:
grscott_2000 said:
If I do a bit of rearranging and combining, would I get

Fel/Fgrav = (k q Q) / (-G m M)
Just set Fel = Fgrav.
Get rid of that minus sign--you are comparing magnitudes.

This at least cancels out the distance. I feel like this is a step closer though. Maybe my idea is correct even if the algebra is a bit off?
You are almost there. Clean up the q & Q, m & M stuff: the charges are equal; the masses are equal (and given). Solve for the charge then plug in the numbers.
 
*thanks for the help*
 
Last edited:
Looks good to me.
 
Many thanks for your help... All I often need is a prod in the right direction
 

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