Solve Columb's Law Problem: q1 for q2=4.4nC, Dist 10cm and 20cm

  • Thread starter Thread starter jfusion
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Law
AI Thread Summary
The problem involves calculating the charge q1 given q2 is 4.4nC, with distances of 10cm and 20cm between the charges. The equilibrium condition is expressed through the equation F=k*q1*q2/(2d)^2 + k*q*q2/d^2 = 0. Initial calculations yielded an incorrect result of 1.7x10^-8 C, prompting discussions on rounding, significant figures, and the sign of the charge. Ultimately, the correct answer for q1 was determined to be 16nC. The resolution highlights the importance of charge sign and accurate unit conversion in electrostatic calculations.
jfusion
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Charge q2 in the figure(Figure 1) is in static equilibrium. Assume that q = 4.4nC .

Figure:http://session.masteringphysics.com/myct/itemView?assignmentProblemID=31833513&offset=prev

what is q1 ( distance between q2 and q is 10com and distance between q1 and q2 is 20cm)

Homework Equations


F=k*q1*q2/(2d)^2 + k*q*q2/d^2 = 0

I then isolate for q1

The Attempt at a Solution


My answer is 1.7x10^-8 C which is wrong, I have converted all givens to Standard units
 
Physics news on Phys.org
We don't have access to the figure since we can't log into the publisher's site.
 
Thanks for pointing that out, here's the image
 

Attachments

  • Capture.PNG
    Capture.PNG
    2.1 KB · Views: 1,936
Maybe it's just a matter of rounding or sig figs.
 
i don't believe so, do you come to the same conclusion?
 
Yes, but when I round to two sig figs, I get a slightly different answer. Also, it could be that you didn't specify the correct sign of the charge.
 
what do get as your final answer? and the charge would be + correct?
 
it accepted 16nC thanks for the help
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
6K
Replies
12
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
10K
Replies
2
Views
10K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
11K
Back
Top