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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining the magnitude of the electric force between two charges, +3.2 C and -1.6 C, separated by a distance. The consensus is that the force on each charge is equal in magnitude, supporting the answer choice c, due to Newton's third law which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Participants clarify that regardless of the charge magnitudes, the forces they exert on each other are the same. The initial confusion about the relationship between the strength of the electric fields and the forces is resolved through understanding of fundamental physics principles. Overall, the forces acting on the charges are equal, affirming the correct answer is c.
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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