Physics Project

Topic: The charge induced on each of the two

identical Styrofoam balls suspended in a vertical
plane by the use of Coulomb’s Law.

Made By: Kshitij Agarkar

Standard: XII
Guided By: Mrs. Seema Rangari

1
 Certificate
This is to certify that Mst. Kshitij Agarkar, a student of
Class XII, has successfully completed the investigatory
project on the topic ‘The charge induced on each of the
two identical Styrofoam balls suspended in a vertical
plane by the use of Coulomb’s Law’, under the guidance
of Mrs. Seema Rangari. This project is genuine and does
not indulge in plagiarism of any kind.

Reference taken in making this project has been declared

at the end of the project.

External’s Signature Internal’s Signature

Principal’s Signature School Stamp

2
 Acknowledgement

I wish to express my deep gratitude and sincere thanks

to Mrs. Meenakshi Bhatia, Principal, St. Xavier’s High
School, Hiwri Nagar, for her encouragement and for all
the facilities provided to us.
I extend my hearty thanks to our physics teacher, Mrs.
Seema Rangari, who guided me to the successful
completion of this project. I take this opportunity to
express my deep sense of gratitude for her valuable
guidance, constant encouragement, constructive
comments and immense motivation which sustained my
efforts at all stages of this project work.
I would like to thank our physics lab assistant, Mrs. Lovey
Shende, for guiding me on step-by-step basis and also
ensuring that I complete my experiments with ease.
I would also like to thank my parents and friends for their
suggestions and constructive criticism.

3
 Index
Objective 5
Apparatus Required 8
Procedure 9
Result 12
Precautions 13
Sources of Error 14
Bibliography 15

4
 Objective

To estimate the charge induced on each of the identical

Styrofoam (or pith) balls suspended in a vertical plane by
making use of Coulomb’s law.

5
 Theory
Let two point stationary charges q1 and q2 are separated
by a distance r in vacuum. The magnitude of the force (F)
between them is given by:-

F = k|q1q2|/r²
The weight of the ball is, W = mg

The restoring force on each ball = mgsinθ

From ΔOBC,
sinθ = x/2l
Let charge on each ball is,
q1=q2=q
Then, at equilibrium,

Mgsinθ=kq×q/x²
Mgx/2l =kq²/x²
q=√[mgx³/2lk]
Where, k=9×10^9Nm^2c^-2 for air; g=9.8 m/sec^2

6
By substituting the value of mass(m) separating between
ball(x) and length of the thread used to suspend the ball.

7
 Apparatus Required
Small size identical Styrofoam balls, electronic
balance, half-metre scale, cotton thread, stand,
glass rod, silk or wool cloth.

8
 Procedure
1. Weigh the mass of each identical pith balls by
balance and note it down.
2. Tie the ball two silk or cotton thread and suspend at
a point on a stand or a rigid support. Measure the
length of the thread by half-metre scale. The length
of the scale should be equal. Note down the length.
3. Rub the glass rod with silk cloth and touch with both
the balls together so that the balls acquire equal
charge.
4. Suspend the balls freely and the balls stay away a
certain distance apart. Measure the distance
between the balls when they become stationary.
Note down the distance.
5. Touch any one suspended ball with other uncharged
third ball and take the third ball away and repeat
uncharged the step 4.
6. Touch the other suspended ball with the other
fourth ball and take the fourth ball away and repeat
the step four.

9
 Observation

1. Mass of each ball, m = 0.1g

2. Radius of each ball, r = 10mm
3. Length of each thread, = 150cm
S.No. Charge on Charge on Distance
ball A ball B between
(Coulomb) (Coulomb) the balls
X(cm)
1. 0 0 0
2. 5.3×10-10 5.3×10-10 2
3. 5.3×10-10 5.3×10-10 1.5
4. 2.6×10-10 5.3×10-10 1.1

10
 Calculation

By using the relation,

q = [mgx3/2lk]1/2

Calculate the charge in each case.

11
 Result

The charge on ball = 5.3×10-10C

12
 Precautions

1. The suspended balls should not be touched

by any conducting body.
2. Rub the glass rod properly with silk cloth to
produce more charge.

13
 Source of Error

1. The balls may not be of equal size and mass.

2. The distance between the balls should be
measured accurately.

14
 Bibliography

https://phys.librexts.org
http://berkeleyphysicsdemos.net

15