Finding Equilibrium Angle in Uniform Electric Field

AI Thread Summary
To find the maximum angle of deviation for a tiny conducting ball in a uniform electric field, the equilibrium conditions require that the sum of forces in both the x and y directions equals zero. The force due to the electric field is calculated as F_field = qE, where q is the charge and E is the electric field strength. By substituting this into the equilibrium equations, the relationship tan(θ) = qE/(mg) is derived. This formula allows for the calculation of the angle θ based on the given parameters of mass, charge, and electric field strength. The discussion concludes with the user successfully solving the problem with the provided guidance.
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Hey all, I'm not sure where to start on this question. Any ideas would be spectacular.

A tiny conducting ball of mass 1.00 g and charge 20.0 times 10^{-6} is hung from a non-conducting, massless thread. The electric field of magnitude 10^3N/C existing in this region is uniform and horizontal. Find the maximum angle of deviation between the thread and the vertical for the equilibrium, position of the ball.

So far this is what I have
For equilibrium sum of all forces must equal 0
Therefor...
<br /> \begin{equation*}<br /> \begin{split}<br /> \ F_{{net}_x}=0 \\<br /> 0=F_{field}-{T_x} \\<br /> 0= ? - T\sin\theta<br /> \end{split}<br /> \end{equation*}<br />

<br /> \begin{equation*}<br /> \begin{split}<br /> \ F_{{net}_y}=0 \\<br /> 0=F_g-{T_y} \\<br /> 0=mg-T\cos\theta<br /> \end{split}<br /> \end{equation*}<br />

I'm not to sure what I do for the force of the electric field and how I encorperate that into the equation.

Thanks Everyone
 
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Your equilibrium conditions are OK:

F_{field}-Tsin \theta=0
mg - T cos \theta=0

Now you must take into account that F_{field}=qE (electric charge times electric field magnitude). You obtain then (by eliminating T):

tg \theta = \frac{qE}{mg}.
 
Thanks for your help, I was able to get the problem with the assistance you provided. :smile:
 
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