Electrostatic and gravitational force

In summary, electrostatic force is the attraction or repulsion between electrically charged particles, while gravitational force is the attraction between any two objects with mass. Both forces are fundamental and follow the inverse square law, but electrostatic force is much stronger and only applies to charged particles, while gravitational force applies to all objects with mass. The strength of both forces decreases as the distance between the objects increases, according to the inverse square law. Electrically charged particles interact with each other through electrostatic attraction or repulsion, while the mass of an object directly affects the strength of its gravitational force.
  • #1
psysicsfeet
5
0

Homework Statement


Point charge Q = 4.26 μC is fixed at the origin. Now, point charge q = 4.88 μC is carefully placed directly above it (along the y-axis), and it floats at (0,9.51 cm). Find the mass of q, in kg. Assume: g = 9.803 m/s^2.

Homework Equations


F=kq1q2/r^2
G=mg
probably

The Attempt at a Solution


I guess I need to figure out the relationship between electrostatic and gravitational force.
but will it be as simply as F=G?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
psysicsfeet said:
simply as F=G?
Try the calculation and see.
 

1. What is the difference between electrostatic and gravitational force?

Electrostatic force is the attraction or repulsion between electrically charged particles, while gravitational force is the attraction between any two objects with mass. Electrostatic force is much stronger than gravitational force, but it only applies to charged particles, while gravitational force applies to all objects with mass.

2. How are electrostatic and gravitational force similar?

Both electrostatic and gravitational force are fundamental forces of nature that act at a distance. They both follow the inverse square law, which means that the force decreases as the distance between the objects increases. They also both depend on the magnitude of the charges or masses involved.

3. How does distance affect electrostatic and gravitational force?

The force of electrostatic and gravitational force decreases as the distance between the charged or massive objects increases. This is because the force is spread out over a larger area, leading to a weaker force. This relationship is described by the inverse square law.

4. How do electrically charged particles interact with each other?

Electrically charged particles can interact with each other through the force of electrostatic attraction or repulsion. Like charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract. The strength of this force depends on the magnitude of the charges and the distance between them.

5. How does the mass of an object affect gravitational force?

The mass of an object directly affects the gravitational force it exerts on other objects. The greater the mass, the stronger the gravitational force. This is why larger objects, such as planets, have a stronger gravitational pull than smaller objects, such as rocks.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
189
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
546
Replies
17
Views
987
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
810
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
669
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top