Electric Potential Energy & Acceleration of 2 Metal Spheres

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In summary, two tiny metal spheres A and B with masses 5g and 10g, respectively, and equal positive charge q = 5 microCoulombs are connected by a massless nonconducting string of length 1m. The electric potential energy of the system is being asked, as well as the acceleration of each sphere at the instant the string is cut and the speed of each sphere after a long time has passed. The first two questions are easy, but the third question is causing hesitation due to uncertainty on how to proceed. The concept of momentum conservation may be relevant.
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Tony11235
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Two tiny metal spheres A and B of mass 5g and 10g have equal positive charge q = 5 microCoulombs. The spheres are connected by a massless nonconducting string of length 1 m, which is much greater than the radii of the spheres. What is the electric potenial energy of the system? Suppose you cut the string. At that instant what is the acceleration of each sphere? A long time after you cut the string, what is the speed of each sphere?

Ok the first two questions are easy, no problem, but I'm hesitating on the last one. I'm not sure what to do. Any hints?
 
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  • #2
What's the Electric PE "a long time" after cutting it?
How could it be different than it was originally?
Or are you forgetting momentum conservation?
 
  • #3
Got it. Thanks. What was I thinking.
 

Q: What is electric potential energy?

Electric potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position in an electric field. It is the energy that is required to move a charged object from one point to another in an electric field.

Q: How is electric potential energy calculated?

The electric potential energy between two charged objects can be calculated using the formula U = kQq/r, where k is the Coulomb constant, Q and q are the charges of the two objects, and r is the distance between them.

Q: What is the relationship between electric potential energy and acceleration?

Electric potential energy is directly related to the acceleration of an object in an electric field. As the electric potential energy increases, the acceleration also increases. This is because the greater the electric potential energy, the stronger the force acting on the object, resulting in a greater acceleration.

Q: How does the mass of the metal spheres affect their electric potential energy and acceleration?

The mass of the metal spheres does not have a direct effect on their electric potential energy or acceleration. However, it can indirectly affect these factors by influencing the force of gravity, which in turn may affect the acceleration of the spheres in an electric field.

Q: Can the electric potential energy and acceleration of two metal spheres be manipulated?

Yes, the electric potential energy and acceleration of two metal spheres can be manipulated by changing the distance between them or by changing the amount or distribution of charge on the spheres. These factors directly affect the electric potential energy and acceleration of the spheres in an electric field.

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