Parallel plate capacitor by an electric field between the plates

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the minimum voltage required to prevent a 10-gram pith ball with a charge of 1μC from sliding down a vertical plate of a parallel plate capacitor due to gravity. The capacitor plates are spaced 10 cm apart, and the coefficient of static friction between the pith ball and the plate is 0.5. To solve this problem, one must analyze the forces acting on the pith ball, including the electric force, gravitational force, and frictional force, to determine the necessary voltage to maintain equilibrium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces in capacitors
  • Knowledge of static friction and its coefficient
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as gravity and mass
  • Ability to apply Newton's laws of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the electric force acting on the pith ball in a parallel plate capacitor
  • Explore the relationship between voltage, electric field, and force in capacitors
  • Learn how to draw free-body diagrams to analyze forces on objects
  • Investigate the effects of varying the distance between capacitor plates on electric field strength
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of charged objects in electric fields.

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Homework Statement



A 10 gram pith ball having a charge of 1μC is electrostatically attracted to one of the inside surfaces of a large parallel plate capacitor by an electric field between the plates. The plates are vertically oriented so that the electric field between the plates is horizontal. The distance between the plates of the capacitor is 10 cm, and the coefficient of static friction between the pith ball and the plate is 0.5.
What is the minimum voltage needed to keep the ball from sliding down the plate from gravity? Draw a picture to show all forces on the pith ball.

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



I'm totally at a loss
 
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That pith ball is "stuck" to a plate by electric force. How big is that force, and what is its direction? What other forces act on the pith ball?

ehild
 

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