How Many Electrons Are Needed to Accelerate Two Spheres at 25.0g?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the number of electrons required to accelerate two charged spheres at 25.0g. The spheres, each weighing 8.55 grams and positioned 15.0 cm apart, need to be charged to achieve this acceleration. The correct approach involves using the formula F = abs((kq1q2)/r^2) to determine the force needed for the specified acceleration. The final calculation reveals that approximately 1.55 x 1014 electrons must be added to each sphere to achieve the desired acceleration.

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Homework Statement



Two very small 8.55-g spheres, 15.0 cm apart from centre to centre, are charged by adding equal numbers of electrons to each of them. Disregarding all other forces, how many electrons would you have to add to each sphere so that the two spheres will accelerate at 25.0g when released?

Homework Equations



F= abs( (kq1q2)/r^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



25(9.81)=245

(245)(0.15)^2 = (9.00x10^9)(x^2)
(5.51 / 9.00x10^9) = x^2
2.47x10^-5 C = x = charge of one sphere

(2.47x10^-5) / (1.6x10^-19) = 1.55x10^14 electrons in one sphere

The answer's wrong :(
 
Last edited:
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You've used acceleration ("245") where you need force. What force is required to produce the acceleration 245 m/s2?
 

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