Electric Forces: Need Help Solving!

In summary, the conversation discusses electric forces involving two small plastic spheres with a mass of 2.85 g and a charge of -39 nC, placed 3.06 cm apart. The magnitude of the electric force on each sphere is calculated to be 0.0146 N, and the factor by which the electric force is larger than the weight of the sphere is found to be 0.523. However, the accuracy of the numbers has not been checked.
  • #1
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Electric Forces...need help!

Homework Statement


Two small plastic spheres each have a mass of 2.85 g and a charge of -39 nC. They are placed 3.06 cm apart (center to center).

A. What is the magnitude of the electric force on each sphere?

B. By what factor is the electric force on a sphere larger than its weight?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


A. K*q*q / r^2 = 0.0146 N
B. I thought I could just do 0.0146 N / (0.00285kg * 9.81 m/s^2) = 0.523...is that right?
 
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  • #2
The concept is right.
 
  • #3
so what am I doing wrong??
 
  • #4
Are you? What? I haven't checked the numbers.
 

What is an electric force?

An electric force is a fundamental force of nature that is responsible for the interactions between electrically charged particles. It is a force that acts between charged objects, whether they are stationary or in motion.

How is electric force calculated?

Electric force is calculated using Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The formula for electric force is F = (k * q1 * q2) / r^2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the two particles, and r is the distance between them.

What is the unit of electric force?

The unit of electric force is the Newton (N), which is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI). It is equal to the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram by one meter per second squared.

How does distance affect electric force?

According to Coulomb's law, the force between two charged particles is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the distance between two charged objects increases, the electric force between them decreases. Similarly, if the distance decreases, the electric force increases.

How is electric force different from gravitational force?

Electric force and gravitational force are both fundamental forces of nature, but they have some key differences. Electric force is a force that acts between charged particles, while gravitational force is a force that acts between any two objects with mass. Additionally, electric force can be attractive or repulsive, while gravitational force is always attractive. The strength of electric force is also much stronger than that of gravitational force, but it has a much shorter range.

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