Problems that I got wrong and still don't understand

  • Thread starter Thread starter jst
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving various physics problems related to electric fields and forces. Key equations derived include the total electric field at the center of curvature of a uniformly charged arc, expressed as E = (kQ)/(2R), and the electric field strength at a midpoint between two charges calculated using E = (kQ)/(4x^2). The correct answers for multiple-choice questions regarding Coulomb's law and electric force vectors were also clarified, emphasizing the importance of understanding the inverse square law in electrostatics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electric forces
  • Familiarity with electric field concepts and calculations
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in physics
  • Ability to analyze charge configurations and their effects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from charge distributions
  • Learn about the application of integration in calculating electric fields
  • Explore the implications of the inverse square law in electrostatics
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple charges and their interactions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone preparing for quizzes or exams in electrostatics.

jst
Messages
28
Reaction score
0
Before my discovery of this forum, I tried to do some homwork with not help...well, I got a few wrong and will be having a quiz soon...so I got to correct a few of my old mistakes :rolleyes:

Homework Statement



Given a uniformly charged arc with radius R and total charge Q. The arc subtends a total angle of 90 degrees. Derive an equation for the total electric field at the center of curvature of this arc in terms of R,Q and the Coulomb constant k.

http://glomawr.com/phy-hw-01-02.jpg

Homework Equations



I'm not sure

The Attempt at a Solution



I put: (kQ^2)/R^2 , which was not the correct answer

_________________________________________________________

Homework Statement



Given: two charge diagrams each consisting of three charges arranged in an equilateral triangle. Each charge has the same magnitude of charge, q. Force directions are labeled A through L spaced at 30 degree intervals. What is the direction of the Coulomb force on charge #3 in Diagram A?

http://glomawr.com/phy-hw-01-04a.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




I put "B" and was correct, but I'm not sure my logic was correct.

_________________________________________________________

Homework Statement



Given two charges aligned horizontally. Initially both charges have an equal charge -q. The electric force on the right charge is shown having a magnitude of one. In the diagrams below changes have been made to the situation. For each diagram A,B, and C, state the relative length of the electric force vector on the right charge.

http://glomawr.com/phy-hw-01-08.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I put: A half, B 4, C 4

The correct was: A 8, B 4, C half
_________________________________________________________

Homework Statement



Given: Two point charges of charge +q and - q aligned horizontally. The positive charge feels an electrostatic force F. Five points along the horizontal axis are labeled as shown A through E. To what point could a third charge +q be placed so that the net electrostatic force on the positive charge is 3F?

http://glomawr.com/phy-hw-01-09.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I put A, but the correct answer was B

_________________________________________________________

Homework Statement



Given: Two point charges of charge 7.00 nC and -7.00 nC aligned horizontally. The charges are separated by a distance of 8.00 cm. What is the electric field strength at point B halfway between the charges?

http://glomawr.com/phy-hw-01-10.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I did:

(8.988*10^9)*(7*10^-9)/(.08/2) +
(8.988*10^9)*(-7*10^-9)/(.08/2)
=0

Which was wrong, the solution was:
.0788 MN/C

_________________________________________________________

Homework Statement



Given a uniformly charged vertical line and a uniformly charged thin half ring with their axes of symmetry aligned horizontally as shown. The total charge on the line is Q. The total length of the line is 2.00 m and the half-ring radius is R = 1.00 m. At a distance x = 1.00 m to the right of the line charge is the center of curvature of the half ring. What is the total charge on the half ring if the total electric field at the center of curvature is zero? (You will need to integrate over the half ring. S = R(theta) and dS = R(dtheta) and dq = (charge per length)(dS)

http://glomawr.com/phy-hw-01-11.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




I some how came up with: 3.84Q

But the solution was: 1.11Q


I appreciate any help with any/all of these.

Thanks,

Jason
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
For the first question, the equation for the total electric field at the center of curvature is E= (kQ)/(2R).For the third question, the correct answer is B because Coulomb's Law states that the force between two charges is in the direction from positive to negative, so the force on charge #3 in Diagram A is in the direction "B".For the fourth question, the correct answer is A: 8, B: 4, and C: 1/2, as the electric force vector will be 8 times as long on A than C. This is because the force between two charges is inversely proportional to the square of their distances, so the electric force vector on A is 8 times as long as the electric force vector on C.For the fifth question, the correct answer is B because the net electrostatic force on the positive charge is 3F when the third charge +q is placed at point B. This is because the net force on the positive charge is the vector sum of the two individual forces, so when the third charge +q is placed at point B, it will equal and cancel out the force from the negative charge, resulting in a net force of 3F on the positive charge.For the sixth question, the equation for the electric field strength at point B is E = (kQ)/(4x^2). Plugging in the given values, you get E = (8.988*10^9)(7*10^-9)/(4*1)^2 = 0.0788 MN/C.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K