What is the Charge on Each Balloon?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two inflated balloons that are charged after being rubbed against wool. The balloons are suspended and positioned at a specific distance apart, with an angle formed by the thread holding them. The objective is to calculate the charge on each balloon based on the forces acting on them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the balloons, including gravitational and electrostatic forces. There is mention of using trigonometric functions to resolve forces, and some participants question the choice of using tangent for calculations. Others suggest considering the components of forces perpendicular to the thread to simplify the analysis.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to resolving the forces involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of diagrams and the importance of sketching the scenario to aid understanding. There is no explicit consensus on the method to be used, and various interpretations of the problem setup are being considered.

Contextual Notes

The original problem does not provide a diagram, which some participants note may hinder understanding. There are also discussions about the assumptions made regarding the angles and the forces acting on the balloons.

Tunamy
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Homework Statement


A typical inflated balloon has a mass of 4g. Two balloons are rubbed against wool, touched together and then suspended by someone holding the thread at its centre. It is found that the ballooons rest so that trheir centres are 42cm apart and that the thread encloses an angle of 60 degrees. Calculate the charge on each balloon.

Homework Equations


F(E)=(k*Q1Q2)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I first did tan30 *9.8*0.004 (Fgravity) and got 0.226N and then I used F(E)=(k*Q1Q2)/r^2 and since Q1=Q2, I got 2.22x10^-13. But apparently the answer says 6.67x10^-13?
 
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Do you have a diagram ?
 
The question did not provide one but I think the two ballons are hanging down at rest and their strings shuld form a 60 degree angle from the place where they areheld
 
Why the tangent?
Best to compare the components perpendicular to the thread.
That eliminates the tension in the thread.
Still a good idea to start with a sketch though.
Few of us can go without such.
 

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