Solving an Electrostatics Problem with Two 5g Spheres

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This discussion focuses on solving an electrostatics problem involving two 5g spheres charged to +100nC, suspended from 1m long strings. The challenge is to determine the angle produced by the repulsive force between the spheres. The user has established that the net force is 0N, with the gravitational force balanced by the tension in the y-direction. The main difficulty lies in calculating the x-component of tension, which corresponds to the electric force of repulsion, without knowing the separation distance between the charges.

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antiflag403
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Hey everyone,
I'm not sure if this question warrants the "advanced physics" forums, but it would be nice if some of you smart people could give me a hand with this problem.
Two 5g spheres are charged to +100nC and hung from 1m long strings. What is the angle produced due to the repusive force.
So... I drew a free body diagram of the situation and realize that the net force is going to be 0N. So the x and y components have to be 0N as well. Finding the tension in the y direction is easy because it is equal (in magnitude) to the gravitational force on the sphere. The x is proving a bit more challenging. I know that the tension in the x is going to be equal (in magnitude) to the electric force due to repulsion. My problem is that I don't know what the separation of the charges is, and can't figure a way to cancel it out of the problem.
I would really appreciate some advice, rather than someone just solving it for me.
Thanks a lot!
 
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Assume that both balls are suspended from the same point. So if the semivertical angle is [itex]\theta[/itex], the separation will be [itex]sin \theta[/itex].
 

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