Electrostatic Force: +3.2 C & -1.6 C Magnitude of Force

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the electrostatic force between two charges: +3.2 C and -1.6 C. The correct conclusion is that the magnitude of the force acting on both charges is the same, confirming option c) as the correct answer. This is supported by the equation F = kq1q2/r^2, which demonstrates that the force is equal regardless of the order of charges. Newton's third law reinforces that the forces exerted by the charges on each other are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and the formula F = kq1q2/r^2
  • Familiarity with Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of electric charge properties
  • Concept of electric fields and their strengths
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Newton's Third Law in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of electric fields generated by point charges
  • Learn about the superposition principle in electrostatics
  • Investigate the effects of distance on electrostatic force
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electric forces and their interactions.

Luke0034
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Homework Statement



I have a question that I think I know, but it is kind of confusing me a little bit. The problem is as following:

Consider a charge of +3.2 C and a charge of -1.6 C separated by a distance of radius r. Which of the following statements correctly describes the magnitude of the electric force acting on the two charges?

a) The force on q1 has a magnitude that is twice that of the force on q2.
b) The force on q2 has a magnitude that is twice that of the force on q1.
c) The force on q1 has the same magnitude as that of the force on q2.
d) The force on q2 has a magnitude that is four times that of the force on q1.
f) The force on q1 has a magnitude that is four times that of the force on q2.

Homework Equations



F = kq1q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I think the answer is c, because no matter if you plug on kq1q2/r^2 or kq2q1/r^2, you'll get the same amount of force. Am I doing this correctly. I'm sure if I'm thinking of this problem in the right way. I know that q1 would emit a stronger electric weak, and q2 would have a weaker electric field, but I'm not sure how that relates to the amount of force q1 applies to q2, or q2 applies to q1. Is there a way to discriminate the force that q1 applies to q2, and q2 on q1?? Or are they the same?
 
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Luke0034 said:

The Attempt at a Solution



I think the answer is c, because no matter if you plug on kq1q2/r^2 or kq2q1/r^2, you'll get the same amount of force. Am I doing this correctly. I'm sure if I'm thinking of this problem in the right way. I know that q1 would emit a stronger electric weak, and q2 would have a weaker electric field, but I'm not sure how that relates to the amount of force q1 applies to q2, or q2 applies to q1. Is there a way to discriminate the force that q1 applies to q2, and q2 on q1?? Or are they the same?

It is c). There's also a thing called Newton's third law to guide you!
 
PeroK said:
It is c). There's also a thing called Newton's third law to guide you!

Thank you, that's makes a lot of sense. After reading a little bit, I understand Newton's third law in an intuitive sense now.
 

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