Does the difference in charge play a role in electromagnetism such as

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the role of charge differences in electromagnetism, specifically examining whether a greater difference in charge (e.g., +8 and -1) results in a stronger force compared to smaller charge differences (e.g., +1 and -1). The conversation touches on concepts from Coulomb's law and the implications of charge interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the strength of the force between charges is determined by the product of the charges rather than their difference.
  • One participant suggests that a +8 charge and a -1 charge exert a stronger force than a +4 charge and a -1 charge, referencing Coulomb's law.
  • Another participant clarifies that the attraction between two point charges at a fixed distance is calculated by multiplying the charges, leading to a stronger attraction for larger products.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the relationship between charge values and the resulting force, indicating a need for further exploration of Coulomb's law.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the product of the charges is what determines the strength of the force, but there is some confusion about how this relates to the difference in charge values. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved regarding the interpretation of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the distances between charges and the specific conditions under which Coulomb's law applies. Some participants may not fully grasp the implications of charge multiplication versus addition.

cam875
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does the difference in charge play a role in electromagnetism such as a +8 charge pulling a -1 being stronger because of the difference in numbers or does that even matter i mean would that mean that that is stronger compared to a + 1 charge pulling a -1 charge. Thanks in advance.
 
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Yes, it matters: F=kq1q2/r2

It might be interesting to consider the motion of a test charge between two infinitely large parallel conductors. Does (+1,-1) and (+2,0) produce the same result?

I'm not sure I've that up correctly, but take a look at the method of images:
http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/em/lectures/node64.html
 
Coulomb's law

cam875 said:
does the difference in charge play a role in electromagnetism such as a +8 charge pulling a -1 being stronger because of the difference in numbers or does that even matter i mean would that mean that that is stronger compared to a + 1 charge pulling a -1 charge. Thanks in advance.

Hi cam875!

It's not the difference in charge, but the product of the charges, that matters (and also the distance, of course :wink:).

So a +8 and a -1 (or a -8 and a +1) pull each other twice as strongly as a +4 and a -1.

See Coulomb's law :smile:
 


cool thanks for the help very interesting. so are u saying that because (+8) + (-1) is 7 and (+4) + (-1) is 3 that there is a little more than double the attraction in the first example.
 
Last edited:


tiny-tim said:
It's not the difference in charge, but the product of the charges, that matters (and also the distance, of course :wink:).

So a +8 and a -1 (or a -8 and a +1) pull each other twice as strongly as a +4 and a -1.

See Coulomb's law :smile:

cam875 said:
cool thanks for the help very interesting. so are u saying that because (+8) + (-1) is 7 and (+4) + (-1) is 3 that there is a little more than double the attraction in the first example.

No. I believe what tiny-tim is very correctly saying is in the first example, the attraction between two point charges a fixed distance apart ~(+8)(-1)=-8 units, in the second example, the attraction is ~(+4)(-1)=-4 units. So the attraction is exactly double in the first example compared to the second.

I really second his recommendation that you look up Coulomb's law.:smile:
 
atyy atyy atyy!

I agree entirely with atyy. :biggrin:
 


oh ok so your multiplying the charges instead of adding them. makes sense and I am going to look at that law, thanks for the help.
 

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