Does Coulomb's Law Apply Equally to Unequal Charges?

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    Coulomb's law Law
AI Thread Summary
Coulomb's Law states that the magnitudes of the forces between two point charges are equal, regardless of their magnitudes. Therefore, when considering two charges, q1 and q2, where the absolute value of q1 is less than that of q2, the forces they exert on each other remain equal in magnitude. This is consistent with Newton's Third Law, which asserts that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The confusion in the discussion stemmed from misunderstanding the implications of charge magnitudes on force direction rather than magnitude. Ultimately, the forces are indeed equal, confirming option C as correct.
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Homework Statement



Two point charges, q1 and q2, are separated by a distance r. If the absolute value of q1 < the absolute value of q2, then

a) The magnitude of the electric force that q1 exerts on q2 is greater than the magnitude of the electric force that q2 exerts on q1.
b) The magnitude of the electric force that q1 exerts on q2 is less than the magnitude of the electric force that q2 exerts on q1.
c). The magnitudes of the forces are equal.

Homework Equations



F=k(abs(q1q2)/r2

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking that the answer should be C. I'm not completely sure why. Is this correct? If so, how do you know?

Thanks in advanced.
 
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Yosty22 said:

Homework Statement



Two point charges, q1 and q2, are separated by a distance r. If the absolute value of q1 < the absolute value of q2, then

a) The magnitude of the electric force that q1 exerts on q2 is greater than the magnitude of the electric force that q2 exerts on q1.
b) The magnitude of the electric force that q1 exerts on q2 is less than the magnitude of the electric force that q2 exerts on q1.
c). The magnitudes of the forces are equal.

Homework Equations



F=k(abs(q1q2)/r2

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking that the answer should be C. I'm not completely sure why. Is this correct? If so, how do you know?

Thanks in advanced.

Simple:

Newton's Third Law
 
PeterO said:
Simple:

Newton's Third Law

Oops, Duh! Thank you for the response, I wasn't thinking for a second there haha. :)
 

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