In inkjet printing, a rapidly moving nozzle horizontally squirts drops of ink that form letters and images on paper. A common problem is horizontal white lines running through the print due to a clogged nozzle. Another common problem is paper dust.

(a) Within the context of electrostatics, explain why paper dust can cause an inkjet printer to malfunction.
(b) Suppose the ink drops have a mass m = 2.00 x 10-11 kg each and suppose the magnitude of the velocity at which they horizontally travel is 30 m/s. The drops pass through a charging unit that gives each drop a positive charge q by causing it to lose some electrons. The drops then pass between parallel deflecting plates of length D = 2.20 x 10-2 m, where there is a uniform vertical electric field with magnitude E = 8.6 x 104 N/C. If a drop is deflected a distance d = 3.30 x 10-3 m, what magnitude of charge q does each drop acquire by the time it reaches the end of the deflection plate? The density of ink is 1000 kg/m3; assume the effects of gravity are negligible.

Question

In inkjet printing, a rapidly moving nozzle horizontally squirts drops of ink that form letters and images on paper. A common problem is horizontal white lines running through the print due to a clogged nozzle. Another common problem is paper dust.

(a) Within the context of electrostatics, explain why paper dust can cause an inkjet printer to malfunction. 
(b) Suppose the ink drops have a mass m = 2.00 x 10-11 kg each and suppose the magnitude of the velocity at which they horizontally travel is 30 m/s. The drops pass through a charging unit that gives each drop a positive charge q by causing it to lose some electrons. The drops then pass between parallel deflecting plates of length D = 2.20 x 10-2 m, where there is a uniform vertical electric field with magnitude E = 8.6 x 104 N/C. If a drop is deflected a distance d = 3.30 x 10-3 m, what magnitude of charge q does each drop acquire by the time it reaches the end of the deflection plate? The density of ink is 1000 kg/m3; assume the effects of gravity are negligible.

anonymous · Answer

(a). Is it because that some of those dust particles may be also charged? Therefore the movement of these other charges causes interference with the printer? 

Normally, I would first explain my thought process first for the other questions before requesting some sort of solution. But I honestly don't even know where to begin with this problem. There is nothing similar in our textbook either.. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

anonymous · Answer

This problem has been resolved.