Phys208B - Lab #6: Static Electrical Charge and Force

For this lab experiment, you will attempt to determine the charge on each pith ball in the photo shown below.

You can assume the charge is equal on each pith ball, each string length is equal, and each mass is equal. The system reaches this equilibrium between all forces: Coulomb force, gravitational force, string tension. Use the string length and pith ball mass provided in your lab procedures, and the distance between centers shown below which is specific to your personal trial of the experiment (i.e. your numbers will vary slightly from your classmates).

The distance to use for your own experiment with the charged pith balls shown is D = cm
Write this distance down in your Lab Data and use it for your calculations in the Lab Results section.

If you return to this page later it may show a different value for D. Use the value it shows you the first time you visit the page.