# Charge and force

1. Jul 20, 2009

### jmb07

total charge of 6.63E-6 C distributed on 2 metal spheres. When the spheres are 6 cm apart, they each feel a repulsive force of 26.9 N. How much charge is on each sphere??

I know that F=(k x q1 x q2)/(r x r)

Im not exactly how to solve for these when i dont know either one of them to solve for one another. How should i go about this??

2. Jul 20, 2009

### exitwound

You can use the fact that q1+q2=6.63E-6. Use it as your second equation.

3. Jul 20, 2009

### jmb07

how would i relate q1 to q2? Like i understand that the two added together is the total charge.
Should i say that q2 = (F rxr)/(k x q1)
and q1 = 6.63E-6 - q2

I try plugging the relations in but i cant seem to put it all together for some reason

4. Jul 20, 2009

### exitwound

If
$$Q_1+Q_2=6.63e^{-6}$$,

then
$$Q_1=6.63e^{-6} - Q_2$$

Substituting that back into your Force equation:

$$F=k\frac{(Q_1)(Q_2)}{r^2}$$

$$F=k\frac{(6.63e^{-6} - Q_2)(Q_2)}{r^2}$$

Solve for Q_2. In this way, you have used the value of Q2 to state the value of Q1 and your equation is then only dependent on the one variable, Q2, instead of two. After finding Q2, you should be able to figure out Q1 in one step.

5. Jul 20, 2009

### jmb07

thanks! I think i am having an algebra block though haha. So,
(6.63E-6 - q2)(q2) = (Frxr)/k

Do i need to use the quadratic equation to solve for q2 or is there a more simple way i am missing?

6. Jul 20, 2009

### queenofbabes

It appears to be unavoidable. It's not exactly difficult =)