A particle of mass 86 g and charge 24 μC is

Question

released from rest when it is 67 cm from a
second particle of charge −12 μC.
Determine the magnitude of the initial ac-
celeration of the 86 g particle.

Answer 1

a = F/m

Use Coulomb's Law for the initial force, F.

F = k*Q1*Q2/R^2

Look up the value of k. Separation distance R should be in meters.

The acceleration direction will be towards the other (negative) particle.

Answer 2

the answer is a positive number. the question asks for magnitude, which is never negative