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Electricity: Static Electricity

Static Electricity: Audio Guided Solution

Problem Set SE12, Question 1:

A test charge with a negative charge of 2.18x10-8 C experiences a northward force of 4.50x10-5 N when placed a distance of 25.0 cm from a source charge.
a. Determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field at this location.
b. Determine the magnitude and type of charge on the source.
c. Determine the strength of the electric field at a distance of 75.0 cm from the source.


 

Audio Guided Solution

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Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...

  • ... reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketches a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
  • ... identifies the known and unknown quantities; records them in an organized manner. A diagram is a great place to record such information. Equates given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., Q1 = 2.4 μC; Q2 = 3.8 μC; d = 1.8 m; Felect = ???.
  • ... uses physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy to solve for the unknown quantity.
  • ... identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • ... performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.


 

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