How Does Electric Field Magnitude Make a Charged Ball Float?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the electric field magnitude required to make a charged ball float, given its mass and charge. The subject area pertains to electrostatics and forces acting on charged objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between gravitational force and electric force, questioning how to balance these forces for the ball to float. There are attempts to identify relevant equations and clarify the concepts of electric fields and forces.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to relate the forces acting on the ball. Some have suggested using specific equations to find the electric field, while others are confirming the relationship between gravitational and electric forces. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to start the problem.

arod2812
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Homework Statement


A tiny ball (mass = 0.014 kg) carries a charge of -17 C. What is the electric field magnitude that would cause the ball to float above the ground?


Homework Equations


what equation should I use? I am not sure how to even start this problem.

The Attempt at a Solution


Would using E = q/ ((E0 * A) be a good start?
 
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Not even that complicated, there's a ball with a mass m

So there's a gravitational force acting downward on the ball that you should be able to find out

You need to counter this gravitational force with another force caused by an electric field

If you know the charge, you just need to find the electric field. What's the relationship between charge, electric field, and actual force?
 
I think I got it... So i should use the E=F/q. And the force is the mass*acceleration which is gravity because it is directed downward.

Thanks.
 
Right

so Fgrav=Felectric

and Felectric=E*q
 

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