Find charge due to two particles

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the charge on a red sphere in relation to a yellow sphere and a blue sphere, with specific positions and charge magnitudes given. The problem involves understanding the forces acting on the spheres due to their charges and the conditions for equilibrium in the x-direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up equations based on the forces acting on the blue sphere due to the yellow and red spheres. Participants question whether the forces should be set equal to each other due to the lack of net force in the x-direction. There is also a focus on verifying the correctness of the setup and the derived expression for the charge on the red sphere.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in verifying the setup of the equations and the derived formula for the charge on the red sphere. While some guidance has been offered regarding the equality of forces, there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original equations or the final expression for q_red.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses urgency in needing assistance, indicating a time constraint for submission. There is a focus on ensuring the problem is set up correctly and that the derived formula aligns with the problem's requirements.

StephenDoty
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Suppose that the magnitude of the charge on the yellow sphere is determined to be 2q and at (d2cos(theta), -d2cos(theta). Calculate the charge q_red on the red sphere at (d1,0) with a positive blue sphere,q, at the origin and whose net force,F, is in the direction of -y. The yellow sphere is negative and the red sphere is positive. ( See picture bellow)
Express your answer in terms of q, d1,d2, and theta.

Well the Fx on blue due to the yellow sphere= k(2q)(q)/(d2cos(theta))^2
and the Fx on blue due to the red sphere = - k(q_red)(q)/(d1)^2

Now what? I am unsure as to what to do now. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.
Stephen

attachment.php?attachmentid=15199&d=1219858491.jpg
 
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Would you set them equal to each other?
 
I would? because of the fact that there is no net force along the x axis. Hence all x components of the force must cancel out to equal 0. Do you not get the right answer by doing that?
 
I set them equal to each other and solved for q_red and got:

q_red= 2qd1^2/(d2^2)(cos(theta)^2)

Did I set up the original equations correctly? And did I find q_red correctly in terms of q, d1,d2, and theta?

Thank you. I really appreciate the help.

Stephen
 
I have to turn this in soon so any help would be appreciated.

thank you.

Stephen
 
I don't see anything wrong with it. Does anyone else see anything wrong with it?
 
bump
Does everyone agree with nova-ex? Are my equations correct?
 
Not to be a bother but I have to turn this in tomorrow. So if you can please tell me whether or not I set the problem up correctly and got the correct formula for q_red: q_red= 2qd1^2/[(d2cos(theta))^2]?

Thanks I would really appreciate it.

Stephen
 
Any opinions?
 

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