Two Identical Spheres and Displacement

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on two physics problems involving electrostatics and vector displacement. The first problem involves two identical spheres with charges Qa=-2Q and Qb=1Q, which attract each other with a force of 9.0 x 10^-4 N. After touching a third uncharged sphere, the new force between the two charged spheres can be determined by calculating their new charges. The second problem requires calculating the resultant displacement of a swimmer who moves in various directions, with specific angles to the vertical. Understanding these angles is crucial for accurate vector addition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law for electrostatic forces
  • Knowledge of vector addition and displacement calculations
  • Familiarity with charge conservation principles
  • Basic trigonometry for angle calculations in vector problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Coulomb's Law and its applications in electrostatics
  • Learn about charge conservation and how it affects interactions between charged objects
  • Practice vector addition techniques, including resolving vectors into components
  • Explore trigonometric functions relevant to angle calculations in physics problems
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Students studying physics, particularly those preparing for exams in electrostatics and vector analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of these concepts in action.

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I am studying for my exam for physics and i came across 2 questions that i sort of need help with.

1. Two identical spheres, with charges of Qa=-2Q and Qb=1Q, attract one another with a force of 9.0 x 10^-4 N. A third identical uncharged sphere C touches B and now C is completely removed from this situation. Finally, the two spheres (A and B) are touched together and move a distance of 2R apart. What is the new force?

I solve this ratio questions using the mx method but that's not my biggest problem. I don't know how to determine the charges of the 2 spheres. Can anyone please help me. I know the charges for both are supposed to be 3/4 for both. But is there a method to determining the charges.

2. A person swims 50 m[E], then 60 m[N40W], then 70 m[S60W], and finally 100 m [W30N]. Determine the resultant displacement.

Some of these angles arent the angle to the horizontal but i get confused, so can you tell me which angles are the angles to the vertical.

Are the ones with angles to the vertical only the 60 m and 70 m because when i draw the 70 m vector the angle seems right, but it can't be right can it?

So please i really need help.
 
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Two identical spheres, with charges of Qa=-2Q and Qb=1Q, attract one another with a force of 9.0 x 10^-4 N.
If one knew the separation associated with the force, then one could determine the charges.

One may assume the spheres have the same radius. Combining one charge sphere with another uncharged sphere of the same size would do what to the charge?


In the vector problem, assume N is vertical (up), W is left and E is right.

You should have some idea of what N40W means in terms of a direction of 40° toward one direction from the other.
 

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