Initial acceleration of a charged particle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the initial acceleration of a charged particle, specifically sphere 2, which is influenced by the electrostatic force exerted by another charged sphere. The problem involves understanding the forces acting on charged objects and their resulting motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between electrostatic force and acceleration, questioning the role of gravitational force in this context. There are attempts to calculate the electrostatic force between the two spheres and its effect on the acceleration of sphere 2.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in calculations and corrections, with some expressing uncertainty about initial assumptions. There is acknowledgment of errors in calculations, and a participant has thanked others for their assistance, indicating a collaborative effort to clarify the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to convert units from centimeters to meters for accurate calculations, highlighting the importance of unit consistency in physics problems.

hudsonale10
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Homework Statement


If sphere 2 were free to move its initial acceleration would be ___m/s^2


Homework Equations


Two small spheres carrying charges q1 = 7.68 µC and q2 = 5.74 µC are separated by 19.9 cm. The mass of sphere 1 is 10.5 g and the mass of sphere 2 is 15.2 g.


The Attempt at a Solution


Not sure how to start this one? I know the acceleration would be due to gravity but...
 
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hudsonale10 said:
I know the acceleration would be due to gravity but...
I would not assume that.

What electrostatic force do the two spheres exert on each other?
 
Calculate Electrostatic force(F) b/w the two spheres. Since only spher 2 is free to move. the acc is F/m(of sphere 2)
 
About .100 N

(9.0 x 10^9)((7.68 x 10^-6)(5.74 x 10-6))/(19.9)^2
 
(19.9* 10^-2)^2 as 19.9 is in cm
 
ans is 11.48 m/s^2
 
Wow thank you for catching that simple error, and thanks for all the help
 
check whether the answer is correct and Your welcome:)
 

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