First, let's determine the magnitude of the repulsive force between the two pith balls in each scenario using Coulomb's Law:
1. For the first scenario with two pith balls each with +3nC of charge that are 10 cm apart:
q1 = q2 = 3nC = 3 x 10^-9 C
r = 10 cm = 0.1 m
k = 9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2 (Coulomb's constant)
Using Coulomb's Law: F = k|q1q2|/r^2
F = (9 x 10^9)(3 x 10^-9)(3 x 10^-9)/(0.1)^2
F = 81 x 10^-18 / 0.01
F = 8.1 x 10^-15 N
Therefore, the magnitude of the repulsive force between the two +3nC pith balls that are 10 cm apart is 8.1 x 10^-15 N.
2. For the second scenario with two pith balls each with +2nC of charge that are 6 cm apart:
q1 = q2 = 2nC = 2 x 10^-9 C
r = 6 cm = 0.06 m
k = 9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2 (Coulomb's constant)
Using Coulomb's Law: F = k|q1q2|/r^2
F = (9 x 10^9)(2 x 10^-9)(2 x 10^-9)/(0.06)^2
F = 36 x 10^-18 / 0.0036
F = 10 x 10^-15 N
Therefore, the magnitude of the repulsive force between the two +2nC pith balls that are 6 cm apart is 10 x 10^-15 N.
Comparing the two scenarios, the second scenario with +2nC pith balls that are 6 cm apart feels a stronger repulsive force (10 x 10^-15 N > 8.1 x 10^-15 N).
Two identical metallic spheres, labeled A and B, carry excess charges of +1µC (sphere A) and +3µC (sphere b). What feels a stronger repuslive force ... two pith balls each with +3nC of excess charge that are 10 cm apart, or two pith balls each with +2nC of charge that are 6 cm apart? For the pith balls, what is the magnitude of the repulsive force on each of the +3nC pith balls in N?
1 answer
1 answer