Finding the distance between two charges

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In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the distance between two charges (q1 = 5.0 µC and q2 = 3.3 µC) given their potential energy of 0.37 J. The potential energy equation U=(kq_0q)/r is used and simplified to r=U/(kq_0q). However, there is confusion about which values to use for q_0 and the calculations are corrected by using the equation U=(kq_1q_2)/r. The final solution is r=0.37J/((8.99e9)(5e-6)(3.3e-6)).
  • #1
watabi
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Homework Statement


The potential energy of a system of two charges (q1 = 5.0 µC and q2 = 3.3 µC) is 0.37 J. What is the distance between the charges?

Homework Equations


U=(kq_0q)/r --> r=U/(kq_0q)

U=V/q_0

V=0.37J
q1 = 5.0 µC
q2 = 3.3 µC

The Attempt at a Solution



So I was going to use equation 2 but I have two charges involved and that one only asks for q_0.
Do I calculate the change of the charge and use that for q_0?
 
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  • #2
V is potential.
U is potential energy.
 
  • #3
LittleMrsMonkey said:
V is potential.
U is potential energy.

Wow, that cleared up a lot so,

r= 0.37J/((8.99e9)(5e-6)(3.3e-6)) ?
 
  • #4
Try solving for r again,you've made a mistake.
 
  • #5
LittleMrsMonkey said:
Try solving for r again,you've made a mistake.
Was it the micro?
 
  • #6
No.And it's the correct equation.The fraction is mot correct,though.
 
  • #7
Seeing it in this form might help you: ##U=\frac{q_1q_2}{r} ##
So,does ##r=\frac{U}{q_1q_2} ##?
 

FAQ: Finding the distance between two charges

1. What is the equation for finding the distance between two charges?

The equation for finding the distance between two charges is d = √(k * q1 * q2 / F), where d is the distance, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the two charges, and F is the force between the two charges.

2. Can you explain the concept of Coulomb's constant?

Coulomb's constant, denoted by k, is a proportionality constant that relates the strength of the electric force between two charges to their distance and magnitude. It is equal to 8.99 x 109 N*m2/C2.

3. How do you calculate the force between two charges?

The force between two charges can be calculated using the equation F = k * q1 * q2 / d2, where k is Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the two charges, and d is the distance between them.

4. Is there a specific unit for distance in the equation?

Yes, the unit for distance in the equation is meters (m). This is because the force between two charges is directly proportional to the inverse square of the distance between them.

5. How does the distance affect the force between two charges?

The distance between two charges has an inverse relationship with the force between them. This means that as the distance increases, the force decreases, and vice versa. This is because the electric force follows an inverse square law, where the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges.

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