Problems regarding electrostatic forces in everyday levitation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the principles of electrostatic forces in the context of everyday levitation, particularly in relation to A-level physics concepts. It clarifies that oxygen is not the most abundant element in shoe atoms but may be present in an oxide layer. The conversation explains that the force per atom is effectively shared among four electrons due to their distribution, with four electrons facing outward at any moment. Additionally, it establishes that the electric force generated by electrostatic repulsion counteracts the gravitational force acting on a person, enabling levitation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of A-level physics concepts, particularly electrostatics
  • Familiarity with atomic structure and electron distribution
  • Knowledge of forces, including gravitational and normal forces
  • Basic grasp of the principles of levitation and electrostatic repulsion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electrostatic forces in detail using "University Physics with Modern Physics" by Young and Freedman
  • Explore atomic structure and electron behavior in "Chemistry: The Central Science" by Brown, LeMay, and Bursten
  • Research the principles of levitation in physics, focusing on electrostatic levitation techniques
  • Examine the relationship between weight, normal force, and electric force in physics textbooks or online resources
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for A-level physics students, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in the practical applications of electrostatic forces in levitation phenomena.

jackiepollock
Messages
11
Reaction score
2
Hello! I'm reading this part of the A-level physics book and finding a few places that I couldn't wrap my head around. They are underlined.

1) When saying oxygen, is it saying that oxygen is the most abundant element in the shoe atoms?

2)I am not too sure why the force per atom is shared between four electrons when there are eight in each oxygen atom. Despite the explanation it has given, I don't finding making sense and couldn't picture it.

3)When I follow the calculations, I see that the electric force is basically derived from the weight of the man, is it because the weight has caused a normal force, which is assumed to be the electric force?

Thank you for the help!
Screenshot 2021-08-03 at 19.54.05.png
Screenshot 2021-08-03 at 19.54.10.png
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. Both floor and shoe, I think. Even if this isn't true of the bulk materials, there is probably an oxide layer on the surface.
2. On average, at any given moment, four electrons will be on one side of the atom and four on the other. So there will be 4 "facing out" from the surface.
3. The electrostatic repulsion of the electrons (pushing the man up) balances the weight of the man (pulling him down).
 

Similar threads

Graduate Electrostatic levitation of hair
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Undergrad Question regarding the use of Electric flux and Field Lines
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the electrostatic force field?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Undergrad Electrostatic force exerted on an electron inside a nucleus
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the explanation for the electrostatic force between two charged bodies?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Why are the electrostatic field lines normal to a charged conductor?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Magnetic field as result of length contraction
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
Electric field & force due to charged insulating hemispherical shells
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Graduate Effect of electric field on a wire segment
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Electric Field Shielding: Does a Conductor Shield Inside?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K