How Is the Normal Force Calculated on a Charged Object on Level Ground?

In summary, the problem involves a small charge of -2 micro-colombs and a charge of +5 micro-colombs above it, with a distance of 0.35 meters between them. The normal force acting on the -2 micro-colomb charge is calculated using the equations F_e_=k[(q1q2)/r^2] and F_m_=mg, and is found to be 0.7339 N. The presence of the upper charge affects the normal reaction at the point of contact, causing it to act upward instead of just being equal to the weight mg.
  • #1
faustud.
4
0

Homework Statement



A small charge of -2 micro-colombs which has a mass of 0.5 kg lies on level ground. A charge of +5 micro-colombs is a distance of 0.35 meters above the charge. What is the magnitude of the normal force in Newtons on the -2 micro-colomb charge? Do not ignore gravity for this problem.


Homework Equations



F_e_=k[(q1q2)/r^2] F_m_=mg

The Attempt at a Solution



F_e_=0.7339 N and F_m_=4.9N

Can anyone tell me if I'm going in the right direction with this problem?
 
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  • #2
faustud. said:
F_e_=k[(q1q2)/r^2] F_m_=mg

If the upper charge had not been there, then normal reaction at point of contact on the ground would have been the weight mg. Now the upper charge is pulling at it with force F_e. How is the N changed now?
 
  • #3
The N is in the positive direction, going upward?
 
  • #4
The normal reaction acting on the body at the point of contact is upward.
 

What is the magnitude of normal force?

The magnitude of normal force is the amount of force that an object experiences when it is in contact with a surface. It is a perpendicular force that acts in the opposite direction of the weight of the object.

How is the magnitude of normal force calculated?

The magnitude of normal force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). This is also known as the weight of the object.

What affects the magnitude of normal force?

The magnitude of normal force is affected by the weight of the object, the angle of the surface, and the coefficient of friction between the object and the surface. The greater the weight of the object, the greater the normal force. The steeper the angle of the surface, the greater the normal force. And the higher the coefficient of friction, the greater the normal force.

Why is the magnitude of normal force important?

The magnitude of normal force is important because it helps us understand the forces acting on an object in different situations. It also helps us calculate the net force and determine if an object is in equilibrium.

How does the magnitude of normal force relate to other forces?

The magnitude of normal force is equal and opposite to the force of gravity acting on an object. It also plays a role in determining the frictional force between an object and a surface. In equilibrium, the magnitude of normal force is equal to the sum of all other forces acting on the object.

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