- #1
shanie
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Homework Statement
Two small charges q1 = +2.65 nC and q2=-4.75nC are at a certain distance from each other. Q1 is affected by a force of 55μN from q2.
a) how large is the force on q2? Draw a figure that shows the electric forces that work on q1 and q2.
b) determine the distance between the charges.
Homework Equations
a) coulomb's law: F= (k*qi*q2)/d^2
b) coulomb's law: F= (k*qi*q2)/d^2
The Attempt at a Solution
a)Now I know that these questions are generally rather simple and straightforward, but what I cannot understand is how I'm going to solve the problem with two unknowns (the force on q2 and the distance). Because I only have a set of data I cannot really make a simultaneous equation out of it. I tried using E=F/q for q2 but then I only get E for one of the charges.. so how would I go on from there? I already drew a picture showing the two attracting forces with arrows toward each other (as one charge is positive and the other one negative).
b) Once I find the force on q2, I just add the forces together and make them equal to F in coloumb's law.. right? So then I just rearrange the variables and solve for d?
I could really use some help, thanks!