The electric force and the gravitational force.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the strength of an electric field required to balance the weight of a charged plastic sphere. The subject area includes concepts from electrostatics and mechanics, particularly focusing on the relationship between electric force and gravitational force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevant equations, such as F=ma and F=qE, while questioning how to relate electric field equations to mass and charge. There is an exploration of the forces acting on the sphere and the implications of a net force of zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and clarifications about the forces involved and the equations that may be relevant. There is a focus on understanding the balance of forces acting on the sphere, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of relating electric and gravitational forces without providing complete solutions. There is an emphasis on understanding the roles of mass and charge in the context of the problem.

TKstreaker13
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What is the strength of an electric field that will balance the weight of a 2.5g plastic sphere that has been charged to -2.9nC ?

I know that F= ma and that E= Kq/r^2 and also that F= Kq1q2/(r^2). I just don't know how to relate an electric field equation using only mass and a charge?
 
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TKstreaker13 said:
I know that F= ma
OK. What would 'a' be in this case?
and that E= Kq/r^2 and also that F= Kq1q2/(r^2).
Those are expressions for the field from a point charge and the force between two point charges. You won't need them here. Hint: If the field is E, and the change is q, what's the electric force on the charge?

I just don't know how to relate an electric field equation using only mass and a charge?
What forces act on the plastic sphere? What's the net force?
 
a= acceleration

and i will need the F=qE equation

if the sphere is being balanced then the net force will be zero?
 
TKstreaker13 said:
a= acceleration
I meant, what would be the value of the acceleration in this case.

and i will need the F=qE equation
Right. That's the one you need.

if the sphere is being balanced then the net force will be zero?
Exactly. What two forces act on the sphere?
 

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