Electro Statics What am I missing?

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    Electro Statics
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around electrostatics, specifically the interaction between a charged balloon and denim, with a focus on calculating the electric force using Coulomb's law. The original poster is uncertain about the charge of the denim and how it relates to the charge of the balloon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to identify the charge of the denim (q2) based on the charge of the balloon (q1) and questions whether it could be a standard elementary charge or if it is transferred charge. Other participants discuss the assumption of initial neutrality and the application of the Law of Conservation of Charge.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of charge conservation and the nature of the charges involved. Some guidance has been provided regarding the assumptions about the initial state of the charges, but no consensus has been reached on the exact values or signs of the charges.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the sign of the charge on the balloon and the charge of the denim, as well as the implications of charge transfer during the rubbing process. The original poster expresses confusion about the charge values and their relationships.

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Electro Statics...What am I missing!?

Homework Statement


A balloon rubbed against denim gains a charge of 8.0microcoulumbs (I can't do the sign O.o). What is the electric force between the denim and balloon when the two are separated by a distance of 5.0 cm?


Homework Equations


Coulumb's law: Fe = Kc q1q2/r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, so I was given q1: 8mc I know Kc: 8.99*10^9 and I know R: 5 cm This leaves q2, how am I to know what the charge of q2 is? Could it be the standard 1.60219 * 10^-19? Or is the charge transferred?
 
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I would assume that both the balloon and denim were originally neutral. Then you can use the Law of Conservation of Charge (charge cannot be created or destroyed; i.e. Qinitial=Qfinal) to find the other charge.
 


So then we assume that the charge of the balloon has a charge of -8mc? We have only touched the Conservation of Charge conceptually...
 


Oh, alright! Thanks
 

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