- #1
anees7112
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Homework Statement
Hello.
How do you calculate the magnitude of a polarization force (theoretically)? We just did a lab and have to do the report now. It just involved using a Van Der Graaf generator to charge one sphere and measuring the force it exerts on a neutral sphere . This was done by putting the neutral sphere on some scales and measuring the difference in mass when the first sphere was charged (negative mass as scales were zeroed with neutral sphere on them) .
Homework Equations
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The Attempt at a Solution
I can't use Coulomb's law as that requires the charge on both spheres, and the charge on the neutral sphere is zero which will give a force of zero and this isn't the case.
I was thinking I may be able to apply this formula
but..F=qE.. and again this requires a value of charge, and I don't know if I can treat the polarized object like a dipole anyway.
Is there any equation that I can use to calculate the force between the charged and neutral (polarized) object? This is to compare with the experimental force values.
Thank you :)