Asked by aichan
Two equal charges are separated by 3.7 x 10^-10 m. The force between the charges has a magnitude of 2.37 x 10^-3 N. What is the magnitude of q on the charges?
can some one explain to me how to do this step by step. Not that great at math hope you can help. Thanks
can some one explain to me how to do this step by step. Not that great at math hope you can help. Thanks
Answers
Answered by
drwls
There is a formula for the force (F) between two charges (Q1 and Q2), separated by a distance R. It is called Coulomb's Law. It must be in your text or notes; otherwise they would not have assigned this problem.
The formula says
F = k Q1*Q2/R^2
where k is a constant that equals 8.99*10^9 N*m^2/C^2
In your case, Q1 = Q2 = q, so
F = k*q^2/R^2
Rearrange the equation algebraically and solve for q
q = R sqrt(F/k)= 3.7*10^-10m*sqrt(2.636*10^-13)M/m
= 1.9*10^-16 Coulombs
The formula says
F = k Q1*Q2/R^2
where k is a constant that equals 8.99*10^9 N*m^2/C^2
In your case, Q1 = Q2 = q, so
F = k*q^2/R^2
Rearrange the equation algebraically and solve for q
q = R sqrt(F/k)= 3.7*10^-10m*sqrt(2.636*10^-13)M/m
= 1.9*10^-16 Coulombs
Answered by
aichan
Thanks!
Answered by
drwls
q = R sqrt(F/k)
= 3.7*10^-10m*sqrt(2.636*10^-13)C/m
C stands for Coulombs
I typed M where it should be C
= 3.7*10^-10m*sqrt(2.636*10^-13)C/m
C stands for Coulombs
I typed M where it should be C