Finding Electrostatic Force

In summary, the question asks to find the magnitude of the electrostatic force between an 8.15 nC and a 4.18 nC charge that are 1.95 m apart. To determine the type of force, Coulomb's law can be used, where like charges (same sign) repel each other.
  • #1
Bashyboy
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5

Homework Statement


A 8.15 nC charge is located 1.95 m from a 4.18 nC point charge.
(a) Find the magnitude of the electrostatic force that one charge exerts on the other.
N

(b) Is the force attractive or repulsive?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Is there really a way to deduce the sort of force from the given information?
 
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  • #2
Yes, use the Coulombs's law.
 
  • #3
I'm sorry. I meant to deduce what sort of force it is, as in repulsive or attractive.
 
  • #4
Like charges repel. How do you know if the charges are 'alike'?
 
  • #5
If they have the same sign, then two objects would repel each other?
 
  • #6
Yes.
 

What is electrostatic force?

Electrostatic force, also known as Coulomb's law, is the force of attraction or repulsion between two charged particles. It is caused by the interaction of their electric fields.

How do you calculate electrostatic force?

The electrostatic force between two charged particles can be calculated using the equation F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the particles, and r is the distance between them.

What is the relationship between distance and electrostatic force?

The electrostatic force between two charged particles decreases as the distance between them increases. This relationship follows an inverse square law, meaning that the force decreases by a factor of four when the distance is doubled.

What is the difference between electrostatic force and gravitational force?

Electrostatic force is the force of attraction or repulsion between charged particles, while gravitational force is the force of attraction between any two objects with mass. Additionally, electrostatic force can be both attractive and repulsive, whereas gravitational force is always attractive.

What are some real-life examples of electrostatic force?

Some examples of electrostatic force in everyday life include the attraction between a balloon and hair after being rubbed together, the attraction of clothes in a dryer due to static electricity, and the repulsion between two magnets with the same charge.

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