How Does Varying Charge Affect Initial Acceleration of Point Charges?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of varying charge on the initial acceleration of point charges in a physics context, specifically focusing on scenarios involving two point charges with different masses and charges on a frictionless surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between charge, mass, and acceleration, questioning how these factors influence the initial acceleration of point charges. They compare the problem to previous physics concepts and raise questions about the nature of forces involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering differing perspectives on the relationship between mass and acceleration. Some provide reasoning based on the equations of motion, while others challenge assumptions about the nature of the forces acting on the charges. There is no clear consensus, but various interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of electric forces versus applied forces, indicating a need to clarify the fundamental principles at play in the problem. The discussion reflects an ongoing examination of assumptions regarding the forces acting on the charges.

pimster987
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Q1. If two point charges have equal mass and and charg are released on a frictionless table, each has an initial acceleration (Ao). if instead you keep one fixed and release the other one, what will be its initial acceleration?Ao,2Ao or Ao/2?


Q2. A point charge of mass (m) and charge (q) and another point charge of mass (m) but charge (2q) are released on a frictionless table. If the charge (q) has an initial acceleration (Ao), what will be the acceleration of (2q)?Ao, 2Ao, 4Ao,Ao/2, or Ao/4?
 
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Show us what you've tried and what you know that might be relevant to the problem.
 
Q1 Since both charges are the same they will repel one another. So I was comparing this problem to a ping pong ball problem I had in Physics I, when the force of the wall equals the force of the ball thrown. Wouldn't the acceleration just be Ao?

Q2 Since F=ma the mass is proportional to the acceleration therefore the acceleration should be 2Ao.
 
1. I believe you're correct

2. Look at that equation carefully: the mass is not proportional to the acceleration.
 
They are inversely proportional so the acceleration should be Ao/2?
 
You're right that in F=ma, the mass and acceleration are inversely proportional. But what are the masses of the two particles?
 
i think you are wrong guys, because it's an electric force not an applied force.
so the acceleration = Ao . o:)
 
i think you are wrong guys, because it's an electric force not an applied force.
so the acceleration = Ao .
[they have the same acceleration ]
 

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