SUMMARY
The discussion centers on calculating the electric force exerted on a styrofoam peanut by a Van de Graaff generator with an electric field strength of 2.0×10^6 N/C. The electric force on the peanut, which has a charge of 0.025μC, is determined using the formula F = qE, resulting in a force of 50 N directed upwards. Additionally, the gravitational force acting on the peanut, with a mass of 0.20g, is calculated to be 0.002 N downwards. The net acceleration of the peanut is derived from the net force acting on it.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of electric fields and forces
- Familiarity with Coulomb's Law
- Basic knowledge of gravitational force calculations
- Ability to apply Newton's second law of motion
NEXT STEPS
- Study the principles of electric fields and their effects on charged objects
- Learn about Coulomb's Law and its applications in electrostatics
- Explore gravitational force calculations in different contexts
- Review Newton's laws of motion and their implications in dynamics
USEFUL FOR
Students in physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding the interactions between electric forces and gravitational forces in charged objects.