Changing Charge Distribution and Coulomb's Law

In summary, the original repulsive force between two spheres of charge 10Q separated by a distance d is F = k(10Q)(10Q)/d^2. If 2Q is removed from one sphere and added to the other, the new repulsive force is F = k(12Q)(8Q)/d^2. This can also be written as F = (12/10)F or 1.2F, where F represents the original force. It is important to use different symbols to represent different quantities.
  • #1
buoya
1
0

Homework Statement



Two small spheres of charge 10Q each separated by a distance d repel each other with a force F. In terms of F what would be the new repulsive force if 2Q were removed from one sphere and added to the other?


Homework Equations



F = kQq/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



F = k(10Q)(10Q)/d^2 if 2Q were removed... F = k(12Q)(8Q)/d^2

Is that the answer? it seems too easy

Thanks for any input!
 
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  • #2
You need to find what fraction of F is the new force. Just one more step to do.
 
  • #3
Your answer is correct but is not "In terms of F". Tip do not use the same symbol "F" to represent two different quantities. If the original force is F than the new force could be any of f, F', F2, or even G. But it is not F. F is already taken.
 

1. What is Coulomb's law?

Coulomb's law is a fundamental law of physics that explains the electrostatic interaction between two charged particles. It states that the force between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

2. How do you calculate the force between two charged particles using Coulomb's law?

To calculate the force between two charged particles, you can use the formula F = k(q1q2)/r^2, where F is the force in Newtons, k is the Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2), q1 and q2 are the charges of the two particles in Coulombs, and r is the distance between the two particles in meters.

3. What is the relationship between the distance between two charged particles and the force between them?

The force between two charged particles is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the distance between the particles increases, the force between them decreases. Similarly, as the distance decreases, the force increases.

4. Can Coulomb's law be used to calculate the force between non-point charges?

Yes, Coulomb's law can be used to calculate the force between non-point charges, such as charged spheres or cylinders. In this case, the distance between the charges is measured from the center of one charge to the surface of the other charge.

5. How is Coulomb's law related to Newton's law of gravitation?

Coulomb's law and Newton's law of gravitation are both inverse-square laws, meaning that the force between two particles is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. However, Coulomb's law applies to electrostatic interactions between charged particles, while Newton's law of gravitation applies to gravitational interactions between massive objects.

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