Question about charged particle in an electric field

[Matthew Muro]

Question:
A) A small charged sphere is attached to a thread and placed in an electric field. The other end of the thread is anchored so that the sphere is in a static situation when placed in the field. If the thread is horizontal, find the magnitude and direction of the electric field. The sphere has a mass of 0.05 kg and contains a charge of +3e3 C. Show your work and/or explain your reasoning.

B) Now the same particle is removed from the thread and placed over the center of a charged plate. Are there any conditions under which it is possible for the particle to be suspended in the air above the plate?

Hello all, my problem is picturing and interpreting what each question is exactly asking for and what to do in order to solve these problems. I am not sure what these problems are asking for. Thank you in advance to all of those who help!

 

[haruspex]

Have you tried to draw a diagram for the first question? What forces act on the sphere, and in what directions?

 

[Matthew Muro]

Have you tried to draw a diagram for the first question? What forces act on the sphere, and in what directions?

Well from my understanding, the only definitive forces acting upon the sphere are Fg and tension of the string but I am confused in what direction the tension is supposed to be in as well as what direction the Fe (electric force) is supposed to point in (which I am assuming indicated the direction of the electric field)

 

[haruspex]

what direction the tension is supposed to be in

You are told it is horizontal.

what direction the Fe (electric force) is supposed to point in

That is what you are asked to determine.

 

[Matthew Muro]

You are told it is horizontal.

That is what you are asked to determine.

So the tension would be either to the left or right (does not matter I am assuming). The electric field would be placed in a manner that would allow the electric force to point either up or down but i am not sure how to determine which direction. I am also not too sure how to determine the magnitude.

 

[haruspex]

So the tension would be either to the left or right (does not matter I am assuming). The electric field would be placed in a manner that would allow the electric force to point either up or down but i am not sure how to determine which direction. I am also not too sure how to determine the magnitude.

Initially you wrote that you did not understand what the question was asking for, so I did not insist on your completing the template (which you should not have deleted).
Now we are past that. Please quote any standard equations you believe may be relevant and show some attempt. Posting a free body diagram would be a good start.