Simple pendulum with Charged bobs

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of two simple pendulums with charged bobs in a satellite environment. When both bobs are similarly charged, they repel each other, causing their strings to align horizontally. Conversely, if the bobs are oppositely charged, they attract, leading to a collapse rather than horizontal alignment. This phenomenon highlights the effects of electrostatic forces on pendulum dynamics in microgravity conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electrostatic forces
  • Basic principles of pendulum motion
  • Knowledge of microgravity environments
  • Familiarity with physics concepts related to charged particles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of electrostatic forces on pendulum systems
  • Explore the dynamics of pendulums in microgravity environments
  • Study Coulomb's Law in detail, particularly in relation to charged objects
  • Investigate the implications of charged particle interactions in satellite physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of charged particles and pendulum systems in microgravity environments.

gracy
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If two simple pendulum with charged bobs hanging from the same point are taken in a satellite ,then their strings will become perfectly horizontal.

I think that should be the case when these bobs are charged with similar charges and hence repulsion occurs but what if the bobs are oppositely charged I don't think their strings will become perfectly horizontal.Rather the bobs should collapse.Am I right?
my following thread is related with this one.
http://postimg.org/image/h2hq9otqv/

http://postimg.org/image/gbaps0een/
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/problem-related-to-coloumbs-force.830160/
 
Last edited:
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Right. They attract each other and the strings don't get in the way.
Thread 830160 is well squeezed out and done with, I should hope...
So maybe this time we can have a record Gracy thread of only two posts !

( Feeble attempt to score in the humour hitlist...:smile: )

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