What is the Charge of a Ball in an Electric Field?

AI Thread Summary
An electric field of 100,000 N/C causes a 5.0 g point charge to hang at a 20-degree angle, prompting the question of the ball's charge. The relevant equations include the relationship between electric field and electrostatic force, as well as the formula for charge in relation to the electric field and permittivity of free space. A force diagram is suggested to analyze the balance of forces acting on the pendulum-like setup, including tension, gravity, and the electric field. It is noted that tension is not necessary to find the charge, leading to a resolution of the problem. The discussion emphasizes understanding the forces at play to determine the charge of the ball.
KhaNgo
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An electric field causes the 5.0 g point charge to hang at a 20 angle. What is the charge of the ball

I don't have the figure but it looks like a simple pendulum hanging at the angle of 20 degree

Homework Statement


E= 100,000 N/C
m of the ball = 5g
Angle =20 degree

e0= 8.85*10^12


Homework Equations



E = F (electrostatic) on p / p (charge)

F = (K q1 q2)/r12^2

q=E*r^2*4pi*e0

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no clue
 
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KhaNgo said:
An electric field causes the 5.0 g point charge to hang at a 20 angle. What is the charge of the ball

I don't have the figure but it looks like a simple pendulum hanging at the angle of 20 degree

Homework Statement


E= 100,000 N/C
m of the ball = 5g
Angle =20 degree

e0= 8.85*10^12

Homework Equations



E = F (electrostatic) on p / p (charge)
F = (K q1 q2)/r12^2
q=E*r^2*4pi*e0

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no clue

Draw a force diagram.

Figure what needs to be in balance for the pendulum and weight to be at that angle.
 
So basically, there will be tension, gravity and electric field act on it
and gravity and electric field will have x,y component but how can we figure out Tension?
So saying the ball doesn't move we can set everything =0 but we don't have tension
 
Never mind, I've found the right answer...We actually don't need Tension to solve it
Thanks for great hint
 
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