Calculating Force of Charges & Size to Double Magnitude - Homework Help

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force between two point charges of +1.4nC and +1.6nC, which are 40cm apart in air, using Coulomb's Law. The calculated force is 1.25 x 107N. Additionally, the problem involves determining the charge on a third conductor placed midway that would double the force on the 1.4nC charge. The participants clarify that the correct force calculation should yield a result of 1.25 x 10-7N instead.

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aurao2003
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Homework Statement


Hi
I need clarification on this problem. Calculate
a) the force between 2 charges of +1.4nC and +1.6nC on point conductors 40cm apart in air.
b)What size of charge on a third point conductor placed midway between the first two conductors would result in doubling of the magnitude of the force on the 1.4nC charge?



Homework Equations


Coulombs law= (Kq1q2)/r^2



The Attempt at a Solution


I obtained 1.25 x 10^7N for the first part. For the second part, I stated the new charge as q and the new distance as 20cm. Making the new charge the subject of my formula, i put in the new details. But my result is not correct.

Please any advise. Thanks
 
Last edited:
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aurao2003 said:
I obtained 1.25 x 10^7N for the first part.
Please any advise. Thanks

Shouldn't it be 10^-7 ?

and can't tell you the solution

if you can post your solution, i can tell you what you did wrong
 
cupid.callin said:
Shouldn't it be 10^-7 ?

and can't tell you the solution

if you can post your solution, i can tell you what you did wrong
Yeah! Thanks. Its -7
 

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