How Is the Force Between Two Electrons Calculated at a One Meter Distance?

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The electric force between two electrons separated by one meter can be calculated using Coulomb's law, represented as F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2, where q1 and q2 are the charges of the electrons, k is the Coulomb's constant (9.0 x 10^9 N m^2/C^2), and r is the distance (1 meter). The charge of an electron is -1.6 x 10^-19 C, and when plugged into the formula, the calculation results in a force of approximately 2.304 x 10^-28 N. There were discussions about calculator usage and handling negative exponents, which caused some confusion. Ultimately, the calculated force value was confirmed to be correct, emphasizing the importance of keeping track of units. Accurate calculations are essential in understanding the interactions between charged particles.
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The electric charge of an electron is -1.6 X 10 to the -19 power C.
What is the force exerted between two electrons separated by one meter?
 
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Use Coulomb's law:

F = \frac{q_{1}q_{2}}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}r^2}

q_{1}, q_{2} are the charges, \epsilon_{0} is the permittivity of free space and r is the separation.
 
If you haven't dealt with k in its explicit form, use

F = \frac{kq_1q_2}{r^2} \ with \ k = 9.0 \times 10^9

\epsilon_0 = 8.85 \times 10^{-12}
 
To avoid confusions

|\vec{F}_{e}| = k_{e} \frac{|q_{1}||q_{2}|}{r^{2}_{1-2}}
 
Math help on previous force problem

I guess I need some Math help. My book says the formula is
F = k q^1 q^2
d^2
So when I plug in my information, my distance is 1, so I get down to:
F = 9.0 X 10^9N X m^2/C2 times (1.6 X 10^-19C)^2

I cannot figure out how to work with the negative exponents that
are so big. My calculator keeps throwing me back to the format
the problem is in. Can anyone provide some math help?
 
What do you mean? Do you not know how to enter powers on your calclulator? :confused:
 
I do have calculator problems! I played around with the calculator until
I think I have the answer:
2.304 X 10^-28
Does that look right?
 
Aprilshowers said:
I do have calculator problems! I played around with the calculator until
I think I have the answer:
2.304 X 10^-28
Does that look right?

Yep, it looks ok. Remember the units though!
 
Thank you!
 
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