Why Is Electrostatics Confusing in Physics Homework?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shadowseal
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electrostatics
AI Thread Summary
Electrostatics can be particularly challenging in physics homework due to the complexity of concepts like electric fields and point charges. The discussion highlights confusion around specific homework problems and the definition of charge (Q). Participants are encouraged to share relevant equations for calculating electric fields from point charge distributions. Additionally, the relationship between voltage potential difference and electric fields is questioned, indicating a need for clarity on these fundamental concepts. Understanding these elements is crucial for mastering electrostatics in physics.
shadowseal
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi. I'am having trouble with 2 of my homework problems. Usually I do pretty good in physics but electrostatics unit turned out to be very confusing for me. I think I figured out all the other homework questions but these 2. I drew those out myself but I think they are pretty understandable.

P.S. I'am also confused by Q. What exacly is Q and how it is defined? Any input will be appriciated. Thank you.
 

Attachments

  • Phys1.jpg
    Phys1.jpg
    7.5 KB · Views: 444
  • Phys2.jpg
    Phys2.jpg
    9.5 KB · Views: 410
Physics news on Phys.org
What equations have you been given for working with the electric field from a distribution of point charges (the Q's)? And what is the relationship between voltage potential difference and the electric field?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Syntax Error? x and y components of E field in unit vector form
Replies
13
Views
2K
Method of mirroring - metal plates
Replies
11
Views
2K
Electrostatic, Electric Field,Electrostatic potential energy
Replies
1
Views
1K
Electrostatic and gravitational force
Replies
1
Views
1K
The height of a dielectric material between two coaxial pipes
Replies
4
Views
2K
Force on a charge from a nearby charged rod
Replies
2
Views
898
What is the electrostatic potential energy of a sphere?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Optimizing Electrostatics Question: Minimizing Force on Particle 3
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculating Electrostatic Force on a Suspended Gossamer Spider
Replies
7
Views
2K
What happens when one of two cocentric spherical shells is grounded?
Replies
11
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top