Question about electrostatic equilibrium?

AI Thread Summary
To achieve electrostatic equilibrium with the given charges, the third charge of 2.0 uC must be placed in a position where the net forces acting on it from the other two charges balance out to zero. The most promising location for this charge is between the two fixed charges, as this allows for the attractive and repulsive forces to potentially equalize. Using Coulomb's law, one can calculate the distances and forces involved to determine the exact position. The analysis should consider the magnitudes of the fixed charges and their separation distance. Ultimately, the precise placement will depend on the calculated forces acting on the 2.0 uC charge.
jle1092
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Two fixed charges, 3.0 uC and 5.0 uC, are 0.40 m apart. The 3.0 uC is to the left of the 5.0 uC charge. Where should a third charge of 2.0 uC be placed to put the system of three charges in electrostatic equilibrium? The answer should be measured with respect to the 5.0 uC charge.

What equation do I use?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Coulomb's law looks appropriate. Start by estimating where you think the third charge will have to go in order for the net force on it to balance out to zero. Hint: there are three choices of "region" that it might be placed: to the left of the two fixed charges, between the two fixed charges, and to the right of both fixed charges. Which region looks most promising?
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top