Potential difference between two plates Please help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a charged sphere suspended between two parallel plates with uniform surface charge densities. The objective is to determine the potential difference that results in the sphere assuming a specific angle with the vertical.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the sphere, including electric field, gravity, and tension. There are attempts to apply potential difference equations, but complications arise due to the angle of the thread.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the equilibrium conditions for the charged sphere and are considering how to resolve the forces into components. Some guidance has been offered regarding drawing a free body diagram and equating forces, but no consensus has been reached on a specific approach.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the angle affecting calculations, indicating potential complexities in applying standard formulas. The problem appears to be framed within typical homework constraints, focusing on understanding the underlying physics rather than providing direct solutions.

sully677
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A small sphere with mass 2.10 g hangs by a thread between two large parallel vertical plates 5.00 cm apart . The plates are insulating and have uniform surface charge densities + sigma and - sigma . The charge on the sphere is q = 7.70×10−6 C

What potential difference between the plates will cause the thread to assume an angle of 30.0 degrees with the vertical?
 
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Sounds like a homework question...

What have you tried?
 
Trying the potential difference equations, but the angle is messing my calculations up
 
sully677 said:
bump

In the equilibrium position, what are the forces acting on the charged sphere?
 
The electric field, gravity and the tension of the string?

What formula would I need?
 
sully677 said:
The electric field, gravity and the tension of the string?

What formula would I need?
Draw the free body diagram with these forces. Resolve them into x and y components. For equilibrium equate net X-component and net y-component equal to zero.
 

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