I know everything to do on this problem except one thing

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the calculation of distances and energies related to particles A, B, and C. Participants are exploring the relationships between various quantities, specifically focusing on the variables rA, rB, rA', and rB' within the context of energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss their strategies for finding potential and kinetic energy, as well as the distances represented by rA and rB. There are inquiries about the appropriate formulas to use and the justification for their physical application. Some participants suggest the use of the distance formula and recommend creating diagrams to clarify the relationships between the variables.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their strategies and questioning the definitions of the variables involved. There is a focus on clarifying the physical meaning of rA and rB, and some guidance has been offered regarding the use of energy equations and the potential need for diagrams.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about how to derive the values of rA, rB, rA', and rB', indicating a need for further clarification on these variables and their relationships. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to understand the problem setup and the relevant physical principles.

flamebane
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Homework Statement
Two charged particles A (qA = 2.86 𝜇C) and B (qB = 1.47 𝜇C) are fixed in place along the x-axis at 𝑥 = ±3.38 cm, respectively. If a third charged particle C (qC = 3.92 𝜇C and mass mC = 10.21 mg) is released from rest on the y-axis at y = 2.57 cm, what will the speed of particle C be when it reaches 𝑦 = 4.43 cm? Answer in m/s
Relevant Equations
principle of conservation of energy
KE
Even though I have all the formulas needed to do this problem, I cant figure out how to get rA, rB and rA' aswell as rB'
 
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flamebane said:
Even though I have all the formulas needed to do this problem, I cant figure out how to get rA, rB and rA' aswell as rB'
You could start by showing us the formulas that you plan to use. But perhaps we need to back up a step. Can you explain your strategy? What formulas are justified by the physical situation? Please provide that justification.

Then you would be in a position to explain what ##r_A##, ##r_B##, ##r_A'## and ##r_B'## are.

[And we might be in a position to recommend the Pythagorean theorem]
 
jbriggs444 said:
You could start by showing us the formulas that you plan to use. But perhaps we need to back up a step. Can you explain your strategy? What formulas are justified by the physical situation? Please provide that justification.
My strategy is to first find all the potential and kinetic energy of particles A and B, then C. then using the principle of conservation of energy to find V.
 
flamebane said:
My strategy is to first find all the potential and kinetic energy of particles A and B, then C. then using the principle of conservation of energy to find V.
I know what the r's mean I just dont really know how I'm ment to get it, would I use the distance formula?
 
flamebane said:
My strategy is to first find all the potential and kinetic energy of particles A and B, then C. then using the principle of conservation of energy to find V.
Then start by writing some equations for the potential and kinetic energies. If there are quantities that you don't know how to express, point them out. A diagram should help.
 
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flamebane said:
I know what the r's mean I just dont really know how I'm ment to get it, would I use the distance formula?
You may know what the r's mean. But we do not. Because you have not told us.

I could make a good guess that ##r_A## is the distance from <somewhere> to <somewhere else>. Yes, if so, then the formula for calculating the distance from <somewhere> to <somewhere else> will be important.
 
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