Does Coulomb's Law Apply Equally to Unequal Charges?

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SUMMARY

Coulomb's Law states that the magnitude of the electric force between two point charges, q1 and q2, is equal regardless of their magnitudes. The equation governing this relationship is F = k(abs(q1q2)/r²), where F is the force, k is Coulomb's constant, and r is the distance between the charges. The discussion confirms that the correct answer to the posed question is option C: the magnitudes of the forces are equal, in accordance with Newton's Third Law of Motion.

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Homework Statement



Two point charges, q1 and q2, are separated by a distance r. If the absolute value of q1 < the absolute value of q2, then

a) The magnitude of the electric force that q1 exerts on q2 is greater than the magnitude of the electric force that q2 exerts on q1.
b) The magnitude of the electric force that q1 exerts on q2 is less than the magnitude of the electric force that q2 exerts on q1.
c). The magnitudes of the forces are equal.

Homework Equations



F=k(abs(q1q2)/r2

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking that the answer should be C. I'm not completely sure why. Is this correct? If so, how do you know?

Thanks in advanced.
 
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Yosty22 said:

Homework Statement



Two point charges, q1 and q2, are separated by a distance r. If the absolute value of q1 < the absolute value of q2, then

a) The magnitude of the electric force that q1 exerts on q2 is greater than the magnitude of the electric force that q2 exerts on q1.
b) The magnitude of the electric force that q1 exerts on q2 is less than the magnitude of the electric force that q2 exerts on q1.
c). The magnitudes of the forces are equal.

Homework Equations



F=k(abs(q1q2)/r2

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking that the answer should be C. I'm not completely sure why. Is this correct? If so, how do you know?

Thanks in advanced.

Simple:

Newton's Third Law
 
PeterO said:
Simple:

Newton's Third Law

Oops, Duh! Thank you for the response, I wasn't thinking for a second there haha. :)
 

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