Solve Coloumbs Law Problem: Mass & Charge of 2 Particles

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    Coloumbs law Law
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two equally charged particles that are initially held apart and then released. The scenario includes given distances, accelerations, and the mass of one particle, leading to questions about the mass of the second particle and the magnitude of the charges on both particles. The subject area pertains to electrostatics and dynamics, specifically Coulomb's Law and Newton's laws of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using Newton's second law to relate the forces acting on the particles and question how to derive the individual charges. There is also a focus on understanding the implications of the forces as described by Coulomb's law and Newton's laws.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on applying Newton's second law to find the force on the first particle and have noted the relationship between the forces acting on both particles. Others are exploring the implications of the problem's setup and questioning the information provided, particularly regarding the charges.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the assumption that both particles have the same charge magnitude, which may influence the approach to finding the charges. Additionally, participants express uncertainty about the information needed to fully resolve the problem.

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Homework Statement



Two equally charged particles are held 3.2x10^-3 m apart and then released from rest. The initial acceleration of the first particles is observed to be 7.0m/s^2 and that of the second to be 9.0 m/s^2. If the mass of the first particle is 6.3x10^-7 kg , what are a.) the mass of the second particle, and b) the magnitude of the charge on each particle.



Homework Equations



Coloumbs Equation

The Attempt at a Solution



kinda need some help how to start this problem.
 
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Use Newton's second law here to get the force associated with the 1st particle. Note that the force exerted by the 1st on the 2nd is the same as the one by the 2nd on the first. From here you can find a). Hm is that all you're given? Because I don't see how you can find the individual charges. Both particles are released at the same time?

EDIT: Sheesh, should have read it more closely. The question states that both charges have the same magnitude. In that case, just use Coulomb's law to find it.
 
th3plan said:

Homework Statement



Two equally charged particles are held 3.2x10^-3 m apart and then released from rest. The initial acceleration of the first particles is observed to be 7.0m/s^2 and that of the second to be 9.0 m/s^2. If the mass of the first particle is 6.3x10^-7 kg , what are a.) the mass of the second particle, and b) the magnitude of the charge on each particle.

Homework Equations



Coloumbs Equation

The Attempt at a Solution



kinda need some help how to start this problem.

OK what are the variables in Coulomb's Equation?
 
What does Coloumb's law say about the force on the two particles? What does Newton's laws say about the force on the two particles? Will the forces bring them together or push them apart? Start with this. If you can't get it, make a post showing what you tried using these laws and someone will probably provide more information.
 

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