Magnitude of Forces exerted by charges.

In summary, we have two charges, q1 = 4.0 μC and q2 = 6.0 μC, with q1 at the origin and q2 on the x-axis at x = 3.0 m. Using the equation F=(k(q1*q2))/r^2, we can find the magnitude of the force exerted on q1 and q2. After converting μC to C, we get 23.973N for both q1 and q2. The only difference between the two forces is their direction, but the magnitude is the same.
  • #1
genu
22
0

Homework Statement


A charge q1 = 4.0 μC is at the origin and a charge q2 = 6.0 μC is on the x-axis at x = 3.0 m.

Find the magnitude of the force exerted on q1. Give your answer in N rounded to 3 decimal places.

Find the magnitude of the force exerted on q2. Give your answer in N rounded to 3 decimal places

Homework Equations



F=(k(q1*q2))/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I converted μC to C
and I got 23.973N for the first part. (isn't this too much force for a charge?)
The second part, shouldn't the force be the same?
 
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  • #2
Please show more of your work. What exactly are the numbers you put in the equation?

Yes, in the second part the force should be the same. Can you explain why?
 
  • #3
q1 = 4.0 μC = 4.0 * 10^-9 C
q2 = 6.0 μC = 6.0 * 10^-9 C

here is what I did
F = (8.99 * 10^9 * 4.0 * 10^-9 C * 6.0 * 10^-9 C)/3.0^2 = 23.973N

Now that I think about it, the difference between the 2 questions should be the direction of the force, but the same magnitude.
 
  • #4
Redo your calculation for two reasons

1. 1.0 μC = 1.0 * 10-6 C
2. Just by looking at the powers of 10 and your answer, it is clear that you forgot to multiply by the second 10-9.
 
  • #5
oh...I see, thank for pointing that out.

As far as the signs go, do the answers have different signs?

Although, they don't specify as to whether the charges are positive or negative.
 
  • #6
Signs don't matter here. You are asked to find magnitudes and these are always positive.
 

1. What is the magnitude of forces exerted by charges?

The magnitude of forces exerted by charges is determined by Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two charges is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

2. How is the magnitude of forces exerted by charges calculated?

The magnitude of forces exerted by charges can be calculated using the following formula: F = k * (q1 * q2)/r^2, where F is the force, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges, and r is the distance between them.

3. What factors affect the magnitude of forces exerted by charges?

The magnitude of forces exerted by charges is affected by the magnitude of the charges, the distance between the charges, and the medium in which the charges are located. It is also affected by the presence of other charges in the vicinity.

4. How does the distance between charges affect the magnitude of forces?

The magnitude of forces exerted by charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the distance between charges increases, the force decreases and vice versa.

5. Is the magnitude of forces exerted by charges affected by the type of charge?

No, the magnitude of forces exerted by charges is not affected by the type of charge. Whether the charges are positive or negative, the magnitude of the force between them will be the same as long as the charges and distance remain constant.

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