Mass with a Charge in side an electric field

AI Thread Summary
A block with mass m and charge +Q is attached to an insulating spring on a frictionless track within a uniform electric field E. The problem involves determining the maximum expansion of the spring, the equilibrium position of the block, and showing that the block's motion is simple harmonic while calculating its period. Additionally, the scenario is altered to include friction, requiring the consideration of kinetic friction's impact on the spring's expansion. The discussion highlights the need to treat the block as a point charge and analyze the forces acting on it in the electric field. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


A block having mass m and charge +Q is connected to an insulating
spring having force constant k. The block lies on a frictionless, insulating horizontal track, and the system is immersed in a uniform electric field of magnitude E
The block is released from rest at a moment when the spring is unstretched (that is, when x = 0).
(a) By what maximum amount does the spring expand?
(b) What is the equilibrium position of the block?
(c) Show that the block’s motion is simple harmonic and determine its period.
(d) What if? Repeat part a, assuming now that there is friction between the block and track. Take mew sub k as the relevant coe¢ cient of kinetic friction.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure how to tackle this problem.
 
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