Electrostatic Force - Locations of a second charge

[Sandro Romualdez]

Homework Statement

A force of 2.4N [L] is exerted on a -1.8x10^-6C charge 0.2m away. What are the possible charges and locations of the second charge?

Homework Equations

F_E= kq₁q₂ / d²

The Attempt at a Solution

Rearranging the equation above for q₂ is
q₂ = F_E x d² / kq₁

and substituting values gives an answer of
-5.9x10^-6C.

Therefore, I have the charge value, but how do I know the locations of the second charge? Would it just be [Left or Right] of the 1st charge?

 

[TSny]

Homework Statement

A force of 2.4N [L] is exerted on a -1.8x10^-6C charge 0.2m away. What are the possible charges and locations of the second charge?

So the "[L]" for the force means toward the left?

and substituting values gives an answer of
-5.9x10^-6C.

Does the charge have to be negative? Could a positive charge do the trick?

Therefore, I have the charge value, but how do I know the locations of the second charge? Would it just be [Left or Right] of the 1st charge?

Like charges repel and unlike charges attract. Think of the possibilities that would produce a force to the left on the given charge.

 

[Sandro Romualdez]

So the "[L]" for the force means toward the left?

Does the charge have to be negative? Could a positive charge do the trick?Like charges repel and unlike charges attract. Think of the possibilities that would produce a force to the left on the given charge.

Yes, the [L] means the force is pushing the charge to the left. Since the charge calculated is -5.9x10-6 that would mean it is located to the left of the charge, since they are both negative and repel.

 

[Sandro Romualdez]

Yes, the [L] means the force is pushing the charge to the left. Since the charge calculated is -5.9x10-6 that would mean it is located to the left of the charge, since they are both negative and repel.

Also, the charge can be negative or positive, and if positive located to the right of the 1st charge, right?

 

[TSny]

I think you have it. But to make sure, let q₁ = -1.8x10^-6 C.

If q₂ = +5.9x10^-6 C, then where is q₂ located? Is it to the right or to the left of q₁?

If q₂ = -5.9x10^-6 C, then where is q₂ located? Is it to the right or to the left of q₁?

 

[Sandro Romualdez]

I think you have it. But to make sure, let q₁ = -1.8x10^-6 C.

If q₂ = +5.9x10^-6 C, then where is q₂ located? Is it to the right or to the left of q₁?

If q₂ = -5.9x10^-6 C, then where is q₂ located? Is it to the right or to the left of q₁?

If it is positive, then it is to the left of q₁ as it will attract and pull q₁ towards it.

If it is negative, it is to the right, as it will repel and move the 1st charge away from it.

 

[TSny]

If it is positive, then it is to the left of q₁ as it will attract and pull q₁ towards it.

If it is negative, it is to the right, as it will repel and move the 1st charge away from it.

Good.