Initial acceleration of a charged particle

[hudsonale10]

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...

 

[Doc Al]

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?

 

[ypudi]

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)

 

[hudsonale10]

About .100 N

(9.0 x 10^9)((7.68 x 10^-6)(5.74 x 10-6))/(19.9)^2

 

[ypudi]

(19.9* 10^-2)^2 as 19.9 is in cm

 

[ypudi]

ans is 11.48 m/s^2

 

[hudsonale10]

Wow thank you for catching that simple error, and thanks for all the help

 

[ypudi]

check whether the answer is correct and Your welcome:)