Electric Forces: Find Separation Force

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding the concept of "separation force" between two equal and opposite charges. It clarifies that the separation force refers specifically to the force of repulsion or attraction between the two charges, as described by Coulomb's Law. The confusion arises regarding whether this force is the sum of the forces acting on both particles or just the force on one. It is confirmed that the separation force is not the sum but rather the individual force experienced by each charge, which is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. The key takeaway is that the separation force is the force of repulsion between the two charges.
anonymousphys
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Homework Statement



So, we have two opposite and equal charges with a distance r between them, and we want to find the "separation force".

Homework Equations


Coulomb's Law


The Attempt at a Solution


Is the separation force the sum of the electric forces on both particles? Or is it the force on just one particle?
 
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anonymousphys said:

Homework Equations


Coulomb's Law

Coulomb's law would give the force of attraction/repulsion between two charges Q1 & Q2 separated by a distance r.
 
rock.freak667 said:
Coulomb's law would give the force of attraction/repulsion between two charges Q1 & Q2 separated by a distance r.

Thanks, but my main confusion is coming from the term "separation force". Is it the sum of the forces acting on both particles?
 
anonymousphys said:
Thanks, but my main confusion is coming from the term "separation force". Is it the sum of the forces acting on both particles?

No the separation force is just the force of repulsion between them. Remember the force on each charge is the same.
 
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