Electric force calculate the separation

In summary, the problem involves two charges with the same charge and mass, moving with the same acceleration at each instant. The task is to calculate the separation between them. Using the equation F=kqq/r^2, the solution is found to be r=q/√4πε0ma, but the given answer is incorrect and likely missing a factor of acceleration.
  • #1
Young wolf
3
0

Homework Statement


two charges with the same charge q and mass m are moving with the same acceleration at each instant. calculate the separation between them.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


F=kqq/r^2
so, F= k q^2/r^2
r^2=kq^2/F
let the acceleration be a, then F=ma.
r= q√k/F
=q/√4πε0ma
but the answer given is q/√4πε0m
where did I go wrong ? can someone explain please?
 
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  • #2
You should make brackets for square roots and denominators, otherwise it is unclear where the fraction ends.

The given answer has mismatching units, it cannot be correct.
 
  • #3
Their separation is a function of time and initial displacement, not constant, yes?
They can't be co-orbital since they repel rather than attract each other.
?
 
  • #4
Young wolf said:
two charges with the same charge q and mass m are moving with the same acceleration at each instant. calculate the separation between them.
Is that an exact copy of the problem as given to you? As rude man points out, the separation cannot be constant. That being so, one would normally expect the answer to be as a function of time. You have found it as a function of the instantaneous acceleration.

More likely, they are supposed to be equal and opposite charges. In that case, the acceleration can be constant, and the answer you found is still valid. I suggest that the given answer has omitted the acceleration by mistake.
 

1. What is electric force?

Electric force is a fundamental force of nature that exists between charged particles. It is responsible for the attraction or repulsion of charged particles and is described by Coulomb's Law.

2. How is electric force calculated?

Electric force can be calculated using Coulomb's Law, which states that the force between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The equation is F = k * (q1 * q2) / r2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the particles, and r is the distance between them.

3. What is the unit of electric force?

The unit of electric force is the Newton (N) in the standard International System of Units (SI). In electrostatics, the unit of charge is the Coulomb (C), and the unit of distance is the meter (m), so the unit of electric force can also be written as N = C2 / m2.

4. How does the separation between charged particles affect the electric force?

The separation between charged particles has an inverse square relationship with the electric force. This means that as the distance between the particles increases, the force decreases, and as the distance decreases, the force increases. This relationship is described by Coulomb's Law.

5. Can electric force act over a distance?

Yes, electric force can act over a distance. This is because electric force is a fundamental force of nature that does not require physical contact between charged particles to exert its influence. It can act over a distance, as long as there is no other intervening force or barrier.

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