Just a Hint on How to Do This Question?

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The discussion centers on a physics problem involving two small spheres, each with a mass of 5.0g, suspended by a 500mm insulating thread and repelling each other due to equal charges, resulting in a separation of 80mm. The key equation to solve this problem is Coulomb's Law, which governs the electrostatic force between charged objects. Participants emphasize the importance of considering all forces acting on the spheres, including gravitational force, tension in the thread, and electrostatic repulsion, to establish equilibrium. A force diagram is recommended to visualize the forces at play.

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Two small spheres, each of mass 5.0g, are each supported from the same point by a light insulating thread 500mm long. When they are given equal charges they repel each other so that the distance between them is 80mm. Find the charge on each.

I don't want any worked solutions or anything, so I doubt I'll need the template. However, I just want a hint as to how to go about this question? It's meant to be a problem solving question but I'm not sure what to do with the masses of the spheres.

And the only relevant equation here is Coulomb's Law so any other hints that deviate from this probably wouldn't help me.
 
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Procrastinate said:
And the only relevant equation here is Coulomb's Law

Are you sure gravity isn't involved in this somehow? :wink:
 
You know that the distance given, 80mm, must be an equilibrium point for the system, so you basically just need to balance the forces -- the possible forces here are gravity, tension from the string, and, of course, the electrostatic repulsion - just draw a force diagram.
 

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