A question about Electric Charge

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electric charge, specifically examining the implications of a hypothetical difference in charge magnitudes between protons and electrons. The original poster presents a problem involving the repulsive force between two copper pennies, considering the number of atoms in each penny and their charge properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of Coulomb's law to determine the force between the pennies. Questions arise regarding the nature of forces acting between the pennies and the assumptions about charge magnitudes.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on relevant equations and have prompted further exploration of the forces involved. There is an ongoing inquiry into the implications of the charge difference and how it affects the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of adhering to forum rules regarding effort demonstration before seeking help. There is also a mention of the assumption that the charge on protons and electrons could differ, which is being questioned in the context of the problem.

Daysi
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We know that the negative charge on the electron and the positive charge on the proton are equal. Suppose, however, that these magnitudes differ from each other by 0.00007%. With what force would two copper pennies, placed 1.2 m apart, repel each other? Assume that each coin contains 3 multiplied by 10^22 copper atoms. (Hint: A neutral copper atom contains 29 protons and 29 electrons.)

(From your answer, it should be obvious that the magnitude of the charge on a proton and the charge on an electron cannot possibly differ by as much as the given percentage.)
 
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Hi Daysi, welcome to PF.
Read the rules of PF. Before you ask for help you have to show you efforts.
What are the relevant equations you can use in the problem?
 
ahh sorry. haven't read the rules yet.
I'm sure we can use Coulomb's law.
F=KQq/r²
 
Your relevant equation is correct.What are the different forces acting on one pennies by the other?
 
Repulsive force and attractive force? and the repulsive one is slightly larger?
 
and q=29e?
I don't know how to do the rest...
 

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