Write two force balance equations: vertical and horizontal. The string tension force T will appear in each equation but can be eliminated since there are two unknowns and two equations.
T sin 11.2 = Coulomb force
T cos 11.2 = gravity force, M g
You will need to know the direction of the E field. I assumed it was horizontal; you should have said what it was since no figure was shown.
A small 6.8 g plastic ball is suspended by a
37.3 cm long string in a uniform electric field
of 4790 N/C, as shown.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 , and
the Coulomb constant is 8.99×109 N · m2/C2..
If the ball is in equilibrium when the string
makes a 11.2 degree angle with the vertical as indicated, what is the net charge on the ball?
Answer in units of μC.
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