Solving for Spring Constant in Hooke's Law with Charged Spheres

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To calculate the spring constant in the scenario involving charged spheres and Hooke's Law, the relevant forces must be analyzed. The upward force on the charged sphere is due to the electrostatic attraction from the two negatively charged spheres, while the downward force is the restoring force of the spring. The spring stretches 5.0 cm from its equilibrium position, indicating a balance between these forces. The equation µΔx = k(Qq)/r is applied, where Q is the charge of the two negatively charged spheres, and r is the distance between charges. Gravity is assumed negligible due to the small size of the charges.
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Homework Statement



A tiny sphere with a charge of q = +8.8 µC is attached to a spring. Two other tiny charged spheres, each with a charge of −4.0-µC, are placed in the positions shown in the figure, in which b = 4.1 cm. The spring stretches 5.0 cm from its previous equilibrium position toward the two spheres. Calculate the spring constant.
Here is the figure:
http://www.webassign.net/grr/p16-16alt.gif

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



µΔx=k(Qq)/r
 
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psilovethomas said:

Homework Statement



A tiny sphere with a charge of q = +8.8 µC is attached to a spring. Two other tiny charged spheres, each with a charge of −4.0-µC, are placed in the positions shown in the figure, in which b = 4.1 cm. The spring stretches 5.0 cm from its previous equilibrium position toward the two spheres. Calculate the spring constant.
Here is the figure:
http://www.webassign.net/grr/p16-16alt.gif

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



µΔx=k(Qq)/r

they are saying tiny charges so I guess we can assume gravity does not play a role.

What force is pulling the charge up and what force is pulling the charge down when it is in equilibrium after stretching?
 

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