Given total charge, find individual charges.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for individual charges on two metal spheres given a total charge of 7.47x10^-6 C and a repulsive force of 15.5011 N when the spheres are 6.35 cm apart. The relevant equations are Coulomb's Law, F=k Q1Q2/r^2, and the conservation of charge, Q1 + Q2 = 7.47x10^-6 C. The user attempts to express the force equation in terms of Q1 but encounters a quadratic equation that complicates the solution process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law (F=k Q1Q2/r^2)
  • Quadratic equations and their solutions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation
  • Understanding of electric charge conservation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Coulomb's Law
  • Practice solving quadratic equations using the quadratic formula
  • Explore the concept of electric fields and forces between charged objects
  • Investigate the implications of charge conservation in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in electrostatics and the mathematical modeling of forces between charged particles.

psilovethomas
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Homework Statement



A total charge of 7.47x10^-6 C is distributed on two different small metal spheres. When the spheres are 6.35 cm apart, they each feel a repulsive force of 15.5011 N. How much charge is on each sphere?

Homework Equations



F=k Qq/r^2
Q1+Q2=7.47x10^-6C

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the second equation, I put the first equation in terms of Q1 to get F=k Q1(7.47X10^-6 - Q1)/r^2, but I cannot solve for Q1
 
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psilovethomas said:
Using the second equation, I put the first equation in terms of Q1 to get F=k Q1(7.47X10^-6 - Q1)/r^2, but I cannot solve for Q1
Why not? It's a quadratic equation.
 

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