Electrostatics problem with charged particles accelerating

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving four charged particles positioned at the vertices of a square with side length 'a'. Two positively charged particles (+|e|) are stationary due to their large mass, while two negatively charged particles (-|e|) are in motion. The objective is to determine the distance between the negatively charged particles when their velocity reaches its maximum. Key equations related to the forces between charged particles and the relationships between acceleration, velocity, and position are essential for solving this problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law for calculating forces between charged particles
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations relating acceleration, velocity, and position
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric fields and potential energy
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for writing equations clearly
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Coulomb's Law and its application in electrostatics
  • Learn about kinematic equations and how they apply to particle motion
  • Explore the concept of electric potential energy in systems of charged particles
  • Practice writing equations in LaTeX for clarity in problem-solving
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics and particle dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of charged particle interactions.

Skrileq
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
There are four particles:

Two positively charged +|e| with a mass so large that it can be assumed that they are stationary

Two negatively charged -|e| with a mass m

The particles initially rest on the vertices of a square with side a.

the task is to calculate the distance between negative charges when their velocity is maximum
Relevant Equations
I didn’t figured it out yet
F23A1B32-0AE2-4FE5-B661-945C17BD9D75.jpeg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Skrileq said:
Homework Statement:: There are four particles:

Two positively charged +|e| with a mass so large that it can be assumed that they are stationary

Two negatively charged -|e| with a mass m

The particles initially rest on the vertices of a square with side a.

the task is to calculate the distance between negative charges when their velocity is maximum
Relevant Equations:: I didn’t figured it out yet

View attachment 270554
Welcome to the PF.

When you are asked for the "Relevant Equations", that means we want you to write down the equations that you think you may use to solve the problem. Since this problem asks about accelerations and velocities of charged particles that are exerting forces on each other, a Relevant Equation would be the force of one charged particle on another, right? And another set of equations would be the relationships between acceleration, velocity and position for masses that are experiencing forces.

Please write out those equations (preferably using LaTeX -- see the LaTeX Guide in the lower left of the edit window). Once you have written out the equations, please say how you think they can be used to approach this problem. We require that you show your work before we can offer tutorial help. Thank you.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2

Similar threads

Replies
28
Views
4K
Replies
11
Views
867
Replies
1
Views
821
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K