Van de Graaff & electric force?

In summary, a Van de Graaff generator is a device that uses electrostatics to create high voltage charges on a metal sphere. It works by using a belt made of rubber or silk that becomes charged as it moves over two rollers, transferring the charges to the sphere. The purpose of a Van de Graaff generator is for scientific experiments and demonstrations, studying the properties of electricity. The electric force is responsible for the transfer of charges, and the higher the voltage, the stronger the electric force. However, there are safety concerns when using a Van de Graaff generator, and proper precautions should always be taken.
  • #1
manutd84
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Homework Statement


A Van de Graaff generator is charged so that the electric field exerted at the top surface is 2.0× 10^6 N/C directed upwards. Find the a) the electric force exerted on a styrofoam peanut (q= 0.025μC) released at its surface, b) the gravitational force on the peanut, c) its acceleration

(g= 10 m/s^2 & mass of peanut=0.20g)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Again, you need to show your work before we can help you.
 
  • #3


I can provide a response to this content by using the known equations for electric force and gravitational force.

a) The electric force exerted on the styrofoam peanut can be calculated using the formula F = Eq, where F is the force, E is the electric field, and q is the charge of the peanut. Substituting the given values, we get:

F = (2.0× 10^6 N/C) * (0.025μC) = 50 N

Therefore, the electric force exerted on the peanut is 50 Newtons.

b) The gravitational force on the peanut can be calculated using the formula F = mg, where F is the force, m is the mass of the peanut, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Substituting the given values, we get:

F = (0.20g) * (10 m/s^2) = 2.0×10^-3 N

Therefore, the gravitational force on the peanut is 2.0×10^-3 Newtons.

c) To calculate the acceleration of the peanut, we can use Newton's second law of motion, F = ma, where F is the net force and a is the acceleration. Substituting the values for the electric and gravitational forces, we get:

50 N - 2.0×10^-3 N = (0.20g) * a

Solving for a, we get:

a = (50 N - 2.0×10^-3 N) / (0.20g) = 248 m/s^2

Therefore, the acceleration of the peanut is 248 m/s^2.

It is worth noting that this acceleration is significantly higher than the acceleration due to gravity (10 m/s^2), which indicates that the peanut will experience a strong upward force due to the electric field of the Van de Graaff generator. This is because the electric force is much stronger than the gravitational force in this scenario.
 

1. What is a Van de Graaff generator?

A Van de Graaff generator is a device that uses electrostatics to create high voltage charges on a metal sphere. It was invented by physicist Robert J. Van de Graaff in the 1930s.

2. How does a Van de Graaff generator work?

A Van de Graaff generator works by using a belt made of rubber or silk that moves over two rollers. One roller is coated with a conducting material, such as aluminum, and the other is insulated. The belt becomes charged as it moves, and the charges are transferred to the metal sphere at the top of the generator, creating a high voltage.

3. What is the purpose of a Van de Graaff generator?

A Van de Graaff generator is used for various scientific experiments and demonstrations. It can create very high voltages (up to several million volts), which can be used to study the properties of electricity, such as electric fields and electric force.

4. How is electric force related to a Van de Graaff generator?

The electric force is the force between two charged objects. In a Van de Graaff generator, the electric force is responsible for the transfer of charges from the belt to the metal sphere. The higher the voltage created by the generator, the stronger the electric force between the two objects.

5. Are there any safety concerns with using a Van de Graaff generator?

Yes, there are safety concerns when using a Van de Graaff generator, as it can produce high voltages that can be dangerous. It is important to always follow proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and avoiding contact with the generator while it is in operation.

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