Question

A particle (m = 50 g, q = 5.0 mC) is released from rest when it is 50 cm from a second particle (Q = -20 mC). Determine the magnitude of the initial acceleration of the 50-g particle.

Answer 1

To determine the magnitude of the initial acceleration of the 50-g particle, we can use the formula for the force between two charged particles and Newton's second law of motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the magnitude of the initial acceleration of the 50-g particle, we can use the formula for the force between two charged particles and Newton's second law of motion. The force between two particles can be calculated using the equation F = k * (|q1 * q2| / r^2), where F is the force, k is Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 N*m^2/C^2), q1 and q2 are the charges of the particles, and r is the distance between them. In this case, the force can be calculated as F = (8.99 x 10^9 N*m^2/C^2) * (5.0 mC * -20 mC) / (0.5 m)^2. Once we have the force, we can use Newton's second law of motion, F = m * a, to solve for the initial acceleration. Rearranging the equation, we find that a = F / m. Plugging in the values, we get a = (8.99 x 10^9 N*m^2/C^2) * (5.0 mC * -20 mC) / (0.5 m)^2 / 50 g. Calculating this value gives us the magnitude of the initial acceleration of the 50-g particle.

Answer 2

You will use the coulomb force equation and equate it with newton's force law to find the particle's acceleration:

`ma = (1)/(4 \pi \epsilon _0) (qQ)/(r^2)`