Calculating Electric Force: 6.20 * 10^-2 N

In summary, to calculate electric force, you can use the formula F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges, and r is the distance between the charges. Coulomb's constant, denoted by k, has a value of 8.99 * 10^9 N * m^2 / C^2. To convert electric force from Newtons to other units, you can use 1 N = 1 kg * m / s^2, 1 N = 1 * 10^5 dynes, and 1 N = 1 * 10^9 piconew
  • #1
punjabi_monster
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Two point charged objects produce an electric force on each other of 6.20 * 10^-2 N. What is the electric force if the distance between increases three times?

I understand that this formula can be used, Fe=(kq1q2)/R^2, but how can you determine K and R from this formula. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
It's simple ratios and proportions. Write out the two forces for each case then divide one equation by the other - the K will cancel out and so will the R if you use the information provided.
 
  • #3


To determine the value of K (the Coulomb's constant) and R (the distance between the two charged objects), you will need to have additional information such as the magnitude of the charges (q1 and q2) and the initial distance between them. Without this information, it is not possible to accurately calculate the electric force. However, if we assume that the charges remain the same and only the distance between them changes, we can use the inverse square law to determine the new electric force.

The inverse square law states that the electric force between two charged objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that if the distance between the two objects is tripled, the electric force will decrease by a factor of nine (3 squared). So, if the initial force was 6.20 * 10^-2 N, the new force would be 6.20 * 10^-2 N divided by 9, which is approximately 6.89 * 10^-3 N.

To summarize, without additional information, we cannot determine the exact values of K and R. However, if we assume that the charges remain the same and only the distance changes, we can use the inverse square law to estimate the new electric force.
 

1. How do you calculate electric force?

To calculate electric force, you need to use the formula F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges, and r is the distance between the charges.

2. What is the value of Coulomb's constant?

Coulomb's constant, denoted by k, has a value of 8.99 * 10^9 N * m^2 / C^2.

3. How do you convert electric force from Newtons to other units?

To convert electric force from Newtons to other units, you can use the following conversions: 1 N = 1 kg * m / s^2, 1 N = 1 * 10^5 dynes, and 1 N = 1 * 10^9 piconewtons.

4. Is the direction of electric force always attractive?

No, the direction of electric force can be either attractive or repulsive depending on the signs of the charges. Like charges (both positive or both negative) will repel each other, while opposite charges will attract each other.

5. How does distance affect the magnitude of electric force?

According to Coulomb's Law, the magnitude of electric force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges. This means that as the distance increases, the force decreases, and vice versa.

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