Finding the E-field of a mass hanging from a string

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the electric field (E) for a ball of mass 0.480 g and charge 32.7 µC suspended at a 15° angle. The equations of motion are established, with the balance of forces in the x and y directions leading to the relationship between tension, gravitational force, and electric force. The user attempts to calculate E using the formula E = (Tan(15°) * m * g) / q, resulting in a value of approximately 3.9 x 10^4 N/C. A note is made regarding the mass units, indicating a potential source of error. The thread was also moved to the appropriate homework forum for better visibility.
aximwolf
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
9. [1pt]
prob04_ball_in_field.gif


As shown in the figure above, a ball of mass 0.480 g and positive charge q =32.7microC is suspended on a string of negligible mass in a uniform electric field. We observe that the ball hangs at an angle of theta=15.0o from the vertical. What is the magnitude of the electric field?

Fx= Fe - Tsin(theta)= 0
Fy= Tcos(theta) = 0

Tsin(theta)/Tcos(theta) = Fe\mg

Than E= Fe/q

So Tan(theta)mg = Fe/q = E

I got (Tan(15)*.480*9.8)/32.7e-6= 3.9 e 4
Where did I go wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Note the units in which the mass was specified.

EDIT: Note also that since this is a homework problem, it should have been posted in one of the homework forums, in particular the Introductory Physics Forum.

EDIT by mentor: this thread has been moved to the appropriate location.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Its right! Thank you for responding so fast!
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
13K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K