Finding charge with mass, length and separation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the charge (Q) of two identical styrofoam balls, each with a mass of 9.0x10^-8 kg and suspended by insulating threads of length 0.98 m, separated by a distance of 0.020 m. To solve for the charge, participants recommend sketching the setup and identifying all forces acting on the balls, including gravitational and electrostatic forces. This approach is essential for applying Coulomb's Law and understanding the equilibrium conditions of the system.

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  • Basic knowledge of forces and equilibrium in physics
  • Ability to sketch and analyze free-body diagrams
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric charge
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  • Study Coulomb's Law in detail
  • Learn how to create and interpret free-body diagrams
  • Explore concepts of electric force and gravitational force
  • Investigate equilibrium conditions in charged systems
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Students in physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding the forces between charged objects.

Averiex
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I don't even know where to start..

Two styrofoam balls with the same mass (m=9.0x10^-8 kg) and the same positive charge Q are suspended from the same point by insulating threads of length (L=0.98 m). The separation of the balls is (d=0.020 m). What is the charge Q??
 
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Welcome to the forum.

First you should sketch the situation. Also include all forces acting on the balls.
 

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