A conducting sphere has a net charge of -q and of mass m is suspended from the ceiling by a light string. A uniform electric field E is applied vertical down on the sphere.The tension T in the string is ____ the weight mg.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sphere will experience an upward force due to the tension in the string that is equal and opposite to the force of gravity (weight). However, the electric field E will also exert a downward force on the sphere due to its negative charge. Since the string is light and not likely to have significant stretch or bending, we can assume that the tension in the string is primarily due to the weight of the sphere. Thus, if the electric field E is strong enough to overcome the weight of the sphere, the tension in the string will be less than the weight (and vice versa). Therefore, the tension T in the string is expected to be less than the weight mg in this scenario.

A Conducting Sphere Has a Net Charge of -Q and of Mass