Finding Electric Forces Between Identical Spheres

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric forces between two identical conducting spheres with charges of 12.0 nC and -18.0 nC, separated by a distance of 0.300 m. Using Coulomb's law, represented by the equation F_e = (k_e)*(q1*q2)/(r^2), where k_e is 8.99e9 N*m^2/C^2, participants explore the initial force and the force after connecting the spheres with a conducting wire. The importance of understanding the signs of charges and their directional implications in force calculations is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law and its application in electrostatics
  • Understanding of electric charge and its properties
  • Knowledge of conducting materials and charge distribution
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of charge distribution in conductors
  • Learn about electric field concepts related to point charges
  • Explore the effects of connecting charged objects with conductive materials
  • Investigate the role of signs in electric force calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding electric forces and charge interactions.

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Homework Statement


Two identical conducting small spheres are placed with their centers 0.300m apart. One is given a charge of 12.0 nC and the other a charge of -18.0 nC. a) Find the electric force exerted by one sphere on the other. b) Next, the spheres are connected by a conducting wire. Find the electric force between the two after they have come to equilibrium.


Homework Equations


F_e = (k_e)*(q1*q2)/(r^2)


The Attempt at a Solution


k_e is a constant of 8.99e9 N*m^2/C^2
plug the rest but I just don't understand the signs that well. Also when do i use the directional equation.
 
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For the signs, I suggest you think about what direction forces have depending on their charges instead of trying to to plug them into the equation.
 

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