Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Electric Field and Potential
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Electric Field and Potential
Two identically charged particles are attached to the opposite ends...
Two identically charged particles are attached to the opposite ends of a spring having a natural length of and a spring constant of . The system rests on a smooth horizontal table. Determine the extension in the spring's length if the charge on each particle is . Assume the extension is small compared to the natural length.
Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
D.
Step-by-step solution
Let the natural length of the spring be and the extension be .
The electrostatic repulsive force between the two charges is given by Coulomb's law:
Since the extension is small compared to the natural length , . Thus,
The restoring force of the spring is:
In equilibrium, the electrostatic repulsive force is balanced by the restoring force of the spring:
Substituting the given values, , , , and :
The electrostatic repulsive force between the two charges is given by Coulomb's law:
Since the extension is small compared to the natural length , . Thus,
The restoring force of the spring is:
In equilibrium, the electrostatic repulsive force is balanced by the restoring force of the spring:
Substituting the given values, , , , and :