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Dwade
Lv 4
Dwade asked in Science & MathematicsPhysics · 7 years ago

Please Help! Physics problem?

Imagine a parallel universe in which the electric force has the same properties as in our universe but there is no gravity. In this parallel universe, the sun carries charge Q, the earth carries charge -Q, and the electric attraction between them keeps the earth in orbit. The earth in the parallel universe has the same mass, the same orbital radius, and the same orbital period as in our universe.

Calculate the value of Q.

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  • Woodsman
    Lv 7
    7 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    For orbit, centripetal force = electrostatic force, or

    mω²r = k(q1)(q2) / r²

    where k = 8.99e9 N·m²/C²

    and q1 = q2 = Q (unknown)

    and r = distance between point charges = 1.5e8 m

    and m = mass of orbiting particle = 6e24 kg

    and ω = angular velocity of orbiting particle

    ω = 2π / T = 2π / (365.25 days * 24h/day * 3600s/h) = 2e-7 rad/s

    6e24 * (2e-7rad/s)² * 1.5e8m = 8.99e9 N·m²/C² * Q² / (1.5e8m)²

    Q = 9.4e12 C

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