Solving Electrostatic Force Problems: Emergency HW Help

  • Thread starter raikchuuyl
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of static electric charge and its effects on objects, specifically sugar grains and hot-air balloons. It also mentions the use of Coulomb's law to calculate the electrostatic force between two objects. The given equations and variables can be used to solve for the unknown quantities in each problem.
  • #1
raikchuuyl
3
0

Homework Statement


When sugar is poured from the box into the sugar bowl, the rubbing of sugar creates a static electric charge that repels the grains. If each of two sugar grains acquires a charge of 3.0x10(to the negative 11th power) at a separation of 8.0x10(to the negative 5th power)


Homework Equations


electrostatic force= (electrostatic constant)(charge 1)(charge 2)/(distance)(2nd power)



AND



Homework Statement


Each of two hot-air balloons acquires a charge of 3.0x10(to the negative 5th)C on its surface as it travels through the air. How far apart are the balloons if the electrostatic force between them is 8.1x10(to the negative 2nd)N?


I have no idea how to do this :( please help
 
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  • #2


raikchuuyl said:

Homework Statement


when sugar is poured from the box into the sugar bowl, the rubbing of sugar creates a static electric charge that repels the grains. If each of two sugar grains acquires a charge of 3.0x10(to the negative 11th power) at a separation of 8.0x10(to the negative 5th power)


Homework Equations


electrostatic force= (electrostatic constant)(charge 1)(charge 2)/(distance)(2nd power)



and



Homework Statement


each of two hot-air balloons acquires a charge of 3.0x10(to the negative 5th)c on its surface as it travels through the air. How far apart are the balloons if the electrostatic force between them is 8.1x10(to the negative 2nd)n?


i have no idea how to do this :( please help
ahhhhhh :(
 
  • #3
Look carefully at Coulomb's law:

[tex]\left|\vec{F}_{elec}\right|=\frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}}\frac{q_{1}q_{2}}{r^{2}}[/tex]

Just identify the given quantities with the variables in each problem and do some algebra to solve for the unknown.
 

1. What is electrostatic force?

Electrostatic force is a fundamental force of nature that describes the attraction or repulsion between electrically charged particles. It is caused by the interaction of charged particles through electric fields.

2. How do you solve electrostatic force problems?

To solve electrostatic force problems, you need to use Coulomb's Law, which states that the force between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This law can be used to calculate the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force between two charged particles.

3. What are some common units for electrostatic force?

The most common units for electrostatic force are Newtons (N) and Coulombs (C). Other units that may be used include kilogram per second squared (kg/s^2) and meter per second squared (m/s^2).

4. Can you provide an example of solving an electrostatic force problem?

Sure, let's say we have two point charges, one with a charge of +2C and the other with a charge of -3C, separated by a distance of 5 meters. Using Coulomb's Law, we can calculate the electrostatic force between them as F = (9x10^9 Nm^2/C^2)(+2 C)(-3 C)/ (5 m)^2 = -2.16x10^-9 N. This means that the two charges will repel each other with a force of 2.16x10^-9 N.

5. What should I do if I am struggling with solving an electrostatic force problem?

If you are struggling with solving an electrostatic force problem, don't hesitate to seek help from a teacher, tutor, or online resources. It may also be helpful to review the concept of Coulomb's Law and practice solving similar problems to gain a better understanding.

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