Question

A dumbell consisting of two identical masses m=4.7 kg attached to the ends of a thin (massless) rod of length a=0.3 m that is pivoted at its centre. The masses have charge +q and -q and the system is placed in a uniform electric field E=2.2 N/C in the positive x direction. Initially the dumbell is at rest and makes a 60o angle with the x axis. The dumbell is the released.

Answer 1

a) Calculate the horizontal displacement (in meters) of the mass with positive charge since the dumbell was released until the point where the dipole is temporarily aligned with the electric field